The turn of the calendar to 2017 represents the perfect opportunity to take a step back and look at the top talent around the NBA. While it shouldn’t matter who is the absolute best the debates rage on about who the top players in the NBA are right now. The point guard position remains among the most debated when it comes to arguing over who is the best so we took the time to break down the rankings as they stand at this point. Here is a look at the top five point guards in the NBA right now.
1. Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
While there are some that want to knock Curry off of his spot at the top of the position pyramid based on the fact that he has sacrificed some of his numbers in order to put the Warriors in a better position with Kevin Durant this season we simply weren’t willing to take that step. Curry is the reigning back-to-back MVP award winner and after spending the past couple of years winning a championship and then leading his team to the best record in NBA history we praise him for doing what his best for Golden State once again and adapting with Durant on his team. Curry has still averaged 24.6 points, 5.8 assists, 4.3 rebounds and 3.8 three-point shots per game while adjusting with Durant in the lineup and making sure he leaves a little something extra in the energy reserve tanks for when the playoffs roll around and he needs to step up again.
2. James Harden, Houston Rockets
Russell Westbrook apologists might be outraged by this selection but the proof is in the numbers so far this season if you take a closer look. Harden ranks ahead of Westbrook in field goal percentage, three-point percentage, assists, minutes and most important in the wins column. Harden has completely transitioned his game to take over the point guard role in Mike D’Antoni’s offense and his numbers are ridiculous so far as he has averaged 28.2 points, 11.8 assists, 8.2 rebounds and 3.0 three-point shots per game. In fact, those numbers are better than Curry’s but we already broke down why Curry might actually be doing more for his team despite less statistical production. Harden has the potential to absolutely dominate on a nightly basis so he has definitely earned this spot on our list.
3. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder
Westbrook’s numbers certainly make a case for him at the top of this list as he has averaged 31.2 points, 10.6 rebounds, 10.4 assists and 1.4 steals per game this season. His PER is the highest in the NBA but it is important to point out that stat doesn’t including three-point field goal percentage and turnovers. Westbrook remains one of the most dominant forces in the NBA but it’s still hard to give him the benefit of the doubt matched up against Curry and Harden based on efficiency and the ability to deliver in the clutch. Westbrook is a statistical machine and could have a case for MVP but he will have to settle for No. 3 on our list of the top point guards in the NBA right now.
4. Chris Paul, Los Angeles Clippers
Paul is right on the outside of the big three and his seeding serves as a reminder for how deep and talented the point guard position is right now. Paul has averaged 17.7 points, 9.8 assists and 5.3 rebounds per game this season while hitting 47.0-percent of his shots from the field. Paul hasn’t lost a step at 31-years-old but he is still just behind the big three of Curry, Harden and Westbrook at the top of this list.
5. Kyrie Irving, Cleveland Cavaliers
Isaiah Thomas, Kyle Lowry and John Wall all earned consideration here but in terms of pure talent there should be no doubt about this pick based on what we have seen since the start of last year’s NBA playoffs. Irving has been outstanding including a dominant performance in Game 7 of last year’s NBA Finals as he helped the Cavaliers complete their historic comeback over the Warriors from down 3-1 in the series. Irving has averaged 24.3 points, 5.9 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 2.4 three-point shots per game this season and yet it still feels like he has another level that he can climb to once the postseason rolls around and Cleveland attempts to successfully defend its NBA title.
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