NBA's Fab Five: Point Guards

[Real Deal]

http://cdn.bleacherreport.com/images_root/images/photos/000/835/257/dwill_feature.jpg?1268153648

 

Many claim the point guard position is the toughest to learn on any level of play, but the general feeling by most NBA analysts is that it takes a point guard longer to adjust to life as a professional athlete. There are a handful who are given the keys to the franchise as early as their rookie season, and in some cases, are asked to both run the offense and take on a second role as his team's primary scoring option. If the young guard is less fortunate, he'll also find himself defending the best backcourt opponents, maximizing the pressure and stress earned by being one of the top college players in the nation.

 

The 2009-10 NBA season is filled with talented guards worthy of a top 10 mention, but only half can be considered for the Fab Five.

 

1. Deron Williams, Utah Jazz (18.4 PPG on .473 FG, 4.1 RPG, 10.1 APG)

 

Williams has been the catalyst on a team that has gone 21-5 since starting the season 19-17. Going from a bubble playoff team in the rugged Western Conference to a top four seed, the Jazz now look to snag home court advantage in the first round of the playoffs, and possibly further beyond that. While forward Carlos Boozer has played a significant role as well, Williams executes plays as good, if not better, than every point guard in the league, and there's no doubt he has a hand in Boozer's impressive offensive play, not to mention defending his assignment each night, giving his frontcourt teammates reason to stay put in the paint.

 

2. Chris Paul, New Orleans Hornets (20.4 PPG on .504 FG, 4.6 RPG, 11.2 APG)

 

You can't argue against Paul's numbers. Statistically, he is better than Williams. However, with the recent injuries and the Hornets' struggles with him in the starting five (21-17, on pace for a 45-win season), Paul gently slides to the second spot in the ranking. CP3 may have just as much help as Williams does in Utah, and rookie guard Darren Collison is filling the stat sheet with surprising numbers in the points and assists columns. The Hornets are still having problems without Paul, though, and the numbers speak for themselves: 11-15 without the franchise superstar, fighting for the 8th seed in the West. Should I use a coin-flip to determine the top point guard? It crossed my mind.

 

3. Steve Nash, Phoenix Suns (17.0 PPG on .506 FG, 3.3 RPG, 11.2 APG)

 

During the first month of the season, many believed that Nash would be a top candidate for the MVP award, and rightfully so. The Suns tore through the league, playing 11 of their first 17 on the road and going 14-3 in the process. Phoenix then took a spill, dropping out of the playoffs after losing 18 of the following 30 games. Playing through his ongoing back problems, Nash and a rejuvenated Amare Stoudemire, put together two win streaks of five games a piece, and the Suns are now holding on to a comfortable 5th seed in the playoffs. If Nash wasn't such a bad defensive player, he would easily top the point guard ranks every season.

 

4. Rajon Rondo, Boston Celtics (14.1 PPG on .515 FG, 4.5 RPG, 9.9 APG)

 

It may not be the popular decision, but let's take a look at the Boston Celtics for a moment: they are currently the 6th best team in the NBA, record-wise, and with old age and injuries taking a toll on Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, Rasheed Wallace and even Paul Pierce, it's Rondo who has proven to be the most consistent and highly-effective player in Boston. Offensively, he is getting the job done, and there's no question he's a good defensive player, averaging 2.5 steals per game and containing his opponent most of the time. His first all-star appearance was well-deserved, and among the three future Hall of Fame teammates he shares the ball with, one can debate that he has shined the brightest.

 

5. Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls (20.6 PPG on .486 FG, 3.7 RPG, 5.7 APG)

 

Seeing Rose round out the top five may come as a surprise to many. The fact is, Rose has been more consistent, and more dominant, than both Tony Parker and Chauncey Billups this season. The Chicago Bulls were steamrolling top teams on the road at one point in January, including the Celtics, Hornets, Suns, Spurs, Rockets and Thunder, and the Chicago native shot below .500 in just one of those six road wins that month. Despite losing a solid teammate and stellar defensive player in Joakim Noah, and battling a knee injury, Rose has shot .529 in his last 10 games, including a 34-point, eight-assist performance against a surging Dallas Mavericks team on Saturday. Billups' inconsistent play sticks him behind Rose, while Parker seems to be relying on Tim Duncan more than Rose does on any of his teammates.

 

That Other Five (in no particular order):

 

Tony Parker, San Antonio Spurs (16.5 PPG on .491 FG, 2.4 RPG, 5.7 APG)

 

Chauncey Billups, Denver Nuggets (20.0 PPG on .436 FG, 3.1 RPG, 5.9 APG)

 

Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder (16.7 PPG on .417 FG, 5.1 RPG, 7.9 APG)

 

Jason Kidd, Dallas Mavericks (10.0 PPG on .427 FG, 5.5 RPG, 9.4 APG)

 

Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors (16.0 PPG on .455 FG, 4.2 RPG, 5.4 APG)

 

 

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/359606-nbas-fab-five-point-guards

[Real Deal]

I would appreciate it if you guys viewed it over at Bleacher Report (using the link) and then hitting the Like button for me. Thanks everyone...and I hope you enjoy the article.

[YugoRocketsFan]

http://ballersfb.nike.com/basketball_content/profile_images/aaron_brooks_1257268184.jpg

 

19.9 ppg

5.2 APG

 

Only 2.85 turnovers per game in 36 mpg.

 

Which is pretty decent for a young PG.

 

People have to start adding him to top 5 lists.

[MainEv3nt]

Jason Kidd>>>>>>>>all

 

yeh i said it, bias approved!

[JWaLL]

Brooks >>> Curry

 

The rest sounds good.

[Legacy]

Brooks >>> Curry

 

The rest sounds good.

 

I think they're equal. Curry will be the better player in the future though.

[YugoRocketsFan]

I think they're equal. Curry will be the better player in the future though.

 

No they arent. Brooks is better as of right now, in the future you dont know because neither player has reached their ceiling.

[Real Deal]

Curry is the better playmaker, and he's playing with a selfish Monta Ellis.

 

But, there's something you aren't considering, either: Curry didn't get the opportunity Brooks did, at first.

 

Since the start of the new year, Stephen Curry has averaged:

 

20.0 PPG on .463 FG, .429 3PT, 4.6 RPG, 6.3 APG, 1.75 SPG, 32 games

 

Aaron Brooks has declined, significantly, since the new year.

 

22.1 PPG on .435 FG, .374 3PT, 3.0 RPG, 5.3 APG, 1.03 SPG, 29 games

 

Brooks is right outside of the ten. There are other point guards doing better.

[Warren2ThaG]

Love the list, I know it's probably not aloud but I put Rondo and Rose a tie at 4th and bump Billups to 5th. Nice job on it.

[YugoRocketsFan]

Curry is the better playmaker, and he's playing with a selfish Monta Ellis.

 

But, there's something you aren't considering, either: Curry didn't get the opportunity Brooks did, at first.

 

Since the start of the new year, Stephen Curry has averaged:

 

20.0 PPG on .463 FG, .429 3PT, 4.6 RPG, 6.3 APG, 1.75 SPG, 32 games

 

Aaron Brooks has declined, significantly, since the new year.

 

22.1 PPG on .435 FG, .374 3PT, 3.0 RPG, 5.3 APG, 1.03 SPG, 29 games

 

Brooks is right outside of the ten. There are other point guards doing better.

 

Warriors play fast-break basketball, while Rockets dont, and plus, Aaron leads the league in 3 pointers, he is the better scorers but his playmaking has been improving, but anyway. Brooks > Curry.

[Real Deal]

The Suns play fast also, but that doesn't make Nash's numbers better than CP3's.

 

The last 30 games, Brooks is struggling, and the numbers show it. Curry gets more playing time, and gets to play the point more, and he's playing much, much better. It's hard to argue against the stats.

 

If Curry was running a team with Ariza, it would instantly make Trevor a second or third scoring option. Curry's scoring would increase, and his playmaking would make Ariza a better player than he is right now. We discussed this at the beginning of the season, how the large scoring role would have a negative effect on him 30-40 games in...and it did even earlier than expected.

 

The way Curry is playing this year, I don't see how any Rockets fans would want to keep Brooks over him.

[YugoRocketsFan]

The Suns play fast also, but that doesn't make Nash's numbers better than CP3's.

 

The last 30 games, Brooks is struggling, and the numbers show it. Curry gets more playing time, and gets to play the point more, and he's playing much, much better. It's hard to argue against the stats.

 

If Curry was running a team with Ariza, it would instantly make Trevor a second or third scoring option. Curry's scoring would increase, and his playmaking would make Ariza a better player than he is right now. We discussed this at the beginning of the season, how the large scoring role would have a negative effect on him 30-40 games in...and it did even earlier than expected.

 

The way Curry is playing this year, I don't see how any Rockets fans would want to keep Brooks over him.

 

Brooks hasnt been struggling at all. Hes been doing his job, scoring every night, hitting 3s and dishing. its hard to argue against stats? Then why do you say Kobe > LeBron? Ariza also never was a 1st or 2nd option, he has always been 3rd, now with Martin he is maybe a 3rd or 4th option, since Brooks, Martin and maybe Scola are in front of him.

 

I dont know what negative response you are talking about, Im befuddled.

 

But ya, lets look at this way, nearly same stats. Rockets 32-31, Warriors 17-46

[Legacy]

Brooks hasnt been struggling at all. Hes been doing his job, scoring every night, hitting 3s and dishing. its hard to argue against stats? Then why do you say Kobe > LeBron? Ariza also never was a 1st or 2nd option, he has always been 3rd, now with Martin he is maybe a 3rd or 4th option, since Brooks, Martin and maybe Scola are in front of him.

 

I dont know what negative response you are talking about, Im befuddled.

 

But ya, lets look at this way, nearly same stats. Rockets 32-31, Warriors 17-46

Half of the current lineup is from the d-league, and Curry makes them much better. He's a positive player and playmaker.

[Real Deal]

its hard to argue against stats? Then why do you say Kobe > LeBron?

Because Kobe is the better defensive player, and he has three 10+ rebounders on his team, three other 20+ PPG capable scorers. Brooks doesn't play defense, and Curry gambles, so you really don't have anything there.

 

Curry is the better offensive player because he's the better playmaker, and just as good of a scorer...and one can argue the slightly better shooter. Both suck defensively, so the ball is in Curry's court.

[YugoRocketsFan]

Because Kobe is the better defensive player. Brooks doesn't play defense, and Curry gambles, so you really don't have anything there.

 

Curry is the better offensive player because he's the better playmaker, and just as good of a scorer...and one can argue the slightly better shooter. Both suck defensively, so the ball is in Curry's court.

 

There is no way he is better than Brooks. Brooks has scored in the 30s vs top teams, including in the playoffs.

[Real Deal]

There is no way he is better than Brooks. Brooks has scored in the 30s vs top teams, including in the playoffs.

You mean the 34 he dropped against Fisher, right? Would you like a list of point guards that are far less talented than Brooks, but have dropped career highs against Fisher?

 

Curry has scored 30 points five times this year, two times against the Atlanta Hawks, once against the Denver Nuggets...two of the top teams in the NBA.

 

Either way, those numbers don't mean much. Jennings dropped 55 earlier in the year, scored 32 on Denver, and now he's struggling with his shot and pushing to get 15-20 a night.

 

Agree to disagree, I guess. Curry is the more complete player. He's a better playmaker (not even debatable), and he's got a more polished offensive game, scoring in more ways, while Brooks is limited to slashing and spotting up for a three.

 

If both were under contract for one year, same amount of cash, who would you take? Any GM in the league would take Curry.

[YugoRocketsFan]

You mean the 34 he dropped against Fisher, right? Would you like a list of point guards that are far less talented than Brooks, but have dropped career highs against Fisher?

 

Curry has scored 30 points five times this year, two times against the Atlanta Hawks, once against the Denver Nuggets...two of the top teams in the NBA.

 

Either way, those numbers don't mean much. Jennings dropped 55 earlier in the year, scored 32 on Denver, and now he's struggling with his shot and pushing to get 15-20 a night.

 

Agree to disagree, I guess. Curry is the more complete player. He's a better playmaker (not even debatable), and he's got a more polished offensive game, scoring in more ways, while Brooks is limited to slashing and spotting up for a three.

 

If both were under contract for one year, same amount of cash, who would you take? Any GM in the league would take Curry.

 

How else does a PG score other than slashing and shooting 3s

 

Brooks also has a deadly mid range shot on fast breaks and this weird floater he makes once a game.

 

I dont know, but I believe you are overrating Curry a bit, making him out to be a superstar or something.

 

http://www.nba.com/games/20100202/GSWHOU/gameinfo.html#nbaGIboxscore

http://www.nba.com/games/20091203/HOUGSW/gameinfo.html#nbaGIboxscore

Edited March 10, 2010 by YugoRocketsFan

[Real Deal]

There are a lot of ways to score. Curry can shoot off the dribble better than Brooks. His mid-range shot is better (it doesn't need to be on a break). When Curry is on a break, he makes the extra pass to finish the play, and that's what a true point does.

 

Brooks is a two-guard in a point guard's body, and the problem with that is, he plays like that. Brooks is struggling, and so is Houston. Are the Rockets in the playoffs right now? Were they when Brooks was going nuts at the beginning of the season? I don't know how you can argue against that.

 

Houston is a far better team. They don't have the super-chucker in Monta Ellis (although the Rockets did bring in Martin, but he hasn't been with them for that long yet). They don't have a player who pushes Brooks out of the play. Instead, they have a legit big (Scola) who can pass the ball back out to Brooks, and guys who will find Brooks cutting through to the corner. It's Adelman's system, and Aaron is perfect for it.

 

You stick Stephen Curry in Adelman's system, and Houston is a better team. Slightly, not significantly, but they are still better.

 

Brooks is right behind Curry, if I were to fill the rankings out past ten. He's close. But I can't put him above Stephen because of his recent struggling with his shot, and there isn't really anything he does better.

[YugoRocketsFan]

There are a lot of ways to score. Curry can shoot off the dribble better than Brooks. His mid-range shot is better (it doesn't need to be on a break). When Curry is on a break, he makes the extra pass to finish the play, and that's what a true point does.

 

Brooks is a two-guard in a point guard's body, and the problem with that is, he plays like that. Brooks is struggling, and so is Houston. Are the Rockets in the playoffs right now? Were they when Brooks was going nuts at the beginning of the season? I don't know how you can argue against that.

 

Houston is a far better team. They don't have the super-chucker in Monta Ellis (although the Rockets did bring in Martin, but he hasn't been with them for that long yet). They don't have a player who pushes Brooks out of the play. Instead, they have a legit big (Scola) who can pass the ball back out to Brooks, and guys who will find Brooks cutting through to the corner. It's Adelman's system, and Aaron is perfect for it.

 

You stick Stephen Curry in Adelman's system, and Houston is a better team. Slightly, not significantly, but they are still better.

 

Brooks is right behind Curry, if I were to fill the rankings out past ten. He's close. But I can't put him above Stephen because of his recent struggling with his shot, and there isn't really anything he does better.

 

Hes not a SG in a PG's body, hes just shoot 1st PG, the same way Tony Parker is. Brooks isnt struggling at all, Houston is only struggling because of the injuries to Trevor Ariza and Kyle Lowry, they return, we beat the Wizards. I also dont think the Rockets would be better with Curry, Brooks has carried us at times and helped us win.

Edited March 10, 2010 by YugoRocketsFan

[Real Deal]

Tony Parker is also twice the point guard Brooks is. They don't compare.

 

I just calculated all of his stats, monthly...and it looks like Brooks is consistently struggling with his shot, so that's my bad.

 

October/November

16.3 PPG on .432 FG, .364 3PT, 2.2 RPG, 5.5 APG, 0.75 SPG, 3.18 TO

 

December

19.8 PPG on .427 FG, .414 3PT, 2.5 RPG, 4.6 APG, 0.69 SPG, 2.56 TO

 

January

21.9 PPG on .433 FG, .396 3PT, 2.6 RPG, 4.8 APG, 1.14 SPG, 2.79 TO

 

February

21.4 PPG on .427 FG, .395 3PT, 3.1 RPG, 5.6 APG, 0.82 SPG, 2.82 TO

 

March

22.8 PPG on .450 FG, .289 3PT, 3.6 RPG, 5.4 APG, 1.20 SPG, 2.8 TO

 

But, again, these last five games (the month of March, in other words) have averaged out to be better than the previous months. Five games, though. That's not enough to tell me that he's a better player than Curry.

[YugoRocketsFan]

Since when did 43% become bad? Hes a shoot 1st PG.

[fish7718]

Uhm Baron Davis? No? Maybe I'm just crazy.

[Real Deal]

Since when did 43% become bad? Hes a shoot 1st PG.

It became bad when he gets a lot of wide-open shots. I've watched probably 25-30 Rockets games this season, and most of the time, Brooks either gets open looks from downtown, mid-range, or he's got one man on him to the rim. That has a lot to do with the offense being ran, and also guys like Landry (when he was there), Scola and Ariza being scoring threats.

 

As good of a shooter Brooks can be (like he was in college), he should be netting at 46% or better right now, 48-50% when Yao gets back. Instead, he's throwing up numbers similar to Allen Iverson. Problem is, Iverson was the only scoring option on his team when he was young, and teams would double him all night long, non-stop.

 

You're still sitting here arguing that Brooks is better than Curry. Honestly, it shouldn't matter. He's not a top five, and it's not even close. Debate-worthy, he's 9-12. I respect the debate because there IS reason to argue it...Curry isn't that much better. If this were Brooks vs. Rose, I would've already hung up the phone.

[Real Deal]

Uhm Baron Davis? No? Maybe I'm just crazy.

The Baron Davis in New Orleans, or Golden State?

[JWaLL]

The Baron Davis in New Orleans, or Golden State?

He's averaging 15 and 8, he could very well be a consideration.