It should be no surprise that the top guards in fantasy basketball all happen to play the point guard position. The emergence of pure scoring, playmaking guards that can do a little bit of everything from taking it to the basket themselves to creating for their teammates has completely changed the outlook of the NBA over the last decade. Here is a look at the top five fantasy guards heading in to the 2016-17 NBA season.
Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder
Kevin Durant’s exit will open the door for Westbrook to play an even bigger role in the Thunder’s offense as the unquestioned MVP of the franchise. Westbrook averaged 23.5 points, 10.4 assists and 7.8 rebounds per game last season and with the offense that much more focused around his talents there is a very real chance he can become the first player since Oscar Robertson to average a triple-double. Westbrook’s usage climbed from 31.8 to 40.0 when Durant wasn’t on the floor and his situation heading in to this year combined with his elite talent should be enough to separate him from the rest as the top fantasy guard in the NBA this season.
Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
Curry shattered the NBA three-point record while leading the Warriors to the best regular season record in NBA history in 2015-16. Curry averaged 30.1 points, 6.7 assists, 5.4 rebounds and 5.1 three-point shots per game while earning MVP honors for the second consecutive year but there is reason to expect a measure of regression this season. Curry already fell short of reaching his maximum potential from a fantasy perspective thanks in part to the fact that Golden State was consistently dominating opponents, which meant Curry could spend the fourth quarter of so many games on the bench. Durant’s arrival could potentially further limit Curry’s fantasy potential now that there is another superstar in town to share the rock with but even then he should be the second-best fantasy guard behind only Westbrook this season.
James Harden, Houston Rockets
Harden’s lack of defensive prowess doesn’t matter nearly as much in fantasy basketball. One of the top offensive-minded players on the planet, Harden averaged 29.0 points, 7.5 assists and 6.1 rebounds per game last season. His numbers have the potential to be even better in 2016-17, now that he will be paired with an offensive-minded head coach in Mike D’Antoni. Remember that D’Antoni is a guy who loves to play fast, have his teams run up and down the court, and play in high-scoring offensive shootouts. These are all huge benefits to Harden, who was already one of the best offensive fantasy players in the NBA.
He might not challenge Westbrook for the top fantasy guard in the NBA this season but his skill set combined with D’Antoni’s impact should be enough to help Harden produce one of the top fantasy seasons at his position.
Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers
Lillard shocked the world a year ago when he averaged 25.1 points, 6.8 assists and 4.0 rebounds per game a year ago to help the Trail Blazers remain a playoff team in the Western Conference even after they lost LaMarcus Aldridge, Nicolas Batum and Robin Lopez. Lillard took a massive step forward as one of the game’s top point guards and he has the potential to continue to grow as one of the game’s rising stars at the position. Portland added some veteran talent this offseason to help fill out the roster and that should only help boost Lillard’s stock as a top-five fantasy guard.
John Wall, Washington Wizards
The top pick from the 2010 NBA Draft has always been criticized for his lack of pure scoring ability but he has improved his overall game throughout his time in Washington and from a fantasy perspective he has established himself as one of the best guards in the game. Wall averaged 19.9 points, 10.2 assists and 4.9 rebounds a year ago and that was in somewhat of a down season for the Wizards as a team. Wall has the potential to be a top-five fantasy guard in the NBA this season and it will be very interesting to see if it is enough to help Washington climb back in to the playoff picture in the Eastern Conference.
