NBA:The Legacy Of Great Point Guards Hasn’t Lost A Step
The last 3 NBA Drafts have been full of franchise-caliber point guards. We are not talking random, off-the-wall guys that are a dime-a-dozen. The talent from this position in recent years has been something to marvel at. The teams who’ve taken these talents have reaped their benefits greatly. While we still wait on the 2021 class to settle in with the likes of Josh Giddey, Davion Mitchell, and Bones Hyland, the elite players from 2019 and 2020 have already begun their ascent.
Think of the point guards taken over the last three years, LaMelo Ball and Ja Morant were the only ones really considered to be mainstays on any roster. Ball, to an extent, was somewhat of a mystery given his past and time in Australia. Morant, given his college pedigree, was always thought of as a star despite his mid-major status in college. In reality, I suppose there weren’t many locks. Guys like Morant and Ball were always seen as more of a sure thing than Darius Garland, Tyrese Haliburton, Cole Anthony, Tyrese Maxey, and Immanuel Quickley (jury still out on him, though). It’s a good thing everyone was wrong.
We’ve got some great NBA stars from the 19/20 Draft class. Outside of Morant and Ball, who have been vital to their team’s resurgence, look at what Garland has done with Cleveland. The Cavs, a poster child for ineptitude, have become must-watch basketball. Without Garland, that’s not nearly as true of a statement. He’s averaging just under 20 points (19.3), and just over 7 assists. He’s not the only one blossoming.
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Cole Anthony needs to be given serious attention. While he might be one of the worst shooting PGs in the league, statistically he’s been just as effective of a scorer as Garland (19.6 PPG) adding 5.7 assists and 6.3 rebounds per game. Anthony is one of the building blocks for the Magic, who have been without former first overall pick (and bust), Markelle Fultz. Seeing as Orlando drafted Jalen Suggs (and had Fultz rehabbing), the thought was Anthony was going to be the bench guy. Now, he’s quite possibly the team’s best and most clutch option.
We have players such as Tyrese Haliburton making his mark on the league. Despite playing in Sacramento, Reese has come into his own. Haliburton has been so impressive, the Sacramento fanbase has almost warmed up to the idea of accepting DeAaron Fox getting dealt away. Haliburton has been one of the best clutch options for the Kings. He’s amazing working the 2-man game with Richaun Holmes. Speaking of Sacramento, Davion Mitchell (2021 Draft) is also a player to keep an eye on. Perhaps he’s not the top-tier scorer other guards of this article can be, Mitchell is far and away the best defender.
Addressing the elephant in the room of the NBA season, Ben Simmons. Why does Philadelphia not need to rush a Simmons deal? They don’t need him. Tyrese Maxey has been superb in his second year as the team’s starting PG. He is still having those growing pains and the occasional inconsistent play. Maxey has far exceeded his draft stock thus far. His growth and development in the future will be something to watch.
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These are some of the most talented guards to come out over the last 15 years. Along the way, there have been misses such as Kira Lewis Jr. (who hasn’t really gotten his fair shot), Tyrrell Terry (my favorite guard from the 2020 class), Malachi Flynn (still holding out hope), Coby White (he’s pretty much done), Killian Hayes (it was a fun ride). There are also players who, while projected as PG’s have thrived in more off-ball roles as wings (Tyler Herro, Jordan Poole, RJ Hampton).
The Point Guard position is alive and well in the NBA. There is so much talent that has come out in the last three years. That talent isn’t going to be lost in future drafts either. In 2023, TyTy Washington, J.D. Davison, Kennedy Chandler all have the ability to be studs. The greatest prize will come in 2023, as Scoot Henderson makes his emergence after his run with the G-League Ignite.
While we might not see the all-time great passing ability of Steve Nash or John Stockton, the flair and showmanship of Magic Johnson or Pistol Pete, or the leadership of Chris Paul with any of these young point guards (who’s to say we won’t?), the fact that all of these talented court visionaries are playing in today’s NBA game will bring about the greatest era of point guard play in the NBA’s 75-year history.
Image Source: Mary Holt-USA TODAY Sports
Daniel is a guru of baseball and basketball prospects. He’s a very experienced Amusement Park traveler as well. Follow him and his hot takes on Insta @dgentleman9288
