looking for a franchise point guard with elite handles might be disappointed by this year’s group of prospects as there aren’t many players near the top of the board that fit that description. Ben Simmons, Brandon Ingram and Buddy Hield will likely continue to dominate the coverage leading up to draft day but we took the time to look at the players with the best handles that are projected to go in the first round. Here is a look at the top prospects with the best handles heading in to the NBA Draft.
PG: Kris Dunn
Providence Friars
Dunn is the best available player on the board as far as point guards that can dominate with the ball in their hands. His first step is among the quickest in terms of this year’s top prospects and his 6’4’’ size and massive wingspan will make him an intriguing prospect. Dunn is at his best when he isolates on a defender and uses his length, quickness and handles to find the best look and he is also an exceptional shooter. Dunn averaged 16.4 points, 6.2 assists and 2.5 steals per game for Providence this past season and it wouldn’t be a surprise if a couple of teams tried to move up to grab him near the top of the first round.
When you look at most current draft projections, it looks like the New Orleans Pelicans are frequently paired with Dunn. The Pelicans do have a decent point guard in Jrue Holiday but he has a tough time staying healthy. He played in just 65 games last year, 40 the year before and 34 in 2013-14. With Anthony Davis on the inside, Dunn could be a real threat on the perimeter to help take some pressure off.
PG/SG: Dejounte Murray
Washington Huskies
Murray might not be the second player on this list to be drafted but he is certainly second only to Dunn on this list in terms of guards with elite ball skills. The 6’5’’ Murray showed outstanding ball skills in his freshman season with the Huskies and his crossovers and control are elite. Murray is still very skinny at 170 pounds but he has the frame to add some bulk and he already has impressive strength and quickness. A flashy player that can make defenders look silly at times, Murray should make an immediate impact wherever he ends up next season.
One team that is often linked with Murray in current mock drafts is the Milwaukee Bucks. Their back court has been a bit of a mess as Michael Carter-Williams hasn’t exactly panned out and they don’t have a consistent at the point. Both he and Jerryd Bayless are better served as bench players. If Murray could solidify the position for them, they might have the makings of a playoff team with Khris Middleton, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jabari Parker rounding out the lineup.
PG/SG: Jamal Murray
Kentucky Wildcats
Murray isn’t a true point guard and he is projected to play shooting guard once he arrives at the NBA. However, his ball handling is excellent and he has many of the qualities of a point guard. Murray’s ability to attack with the basketball is outstanding and that is one of the biggest reasons why he is projected to go high in the first round. Murray has a score-first mentality but he can also do tremendous work setting up teammates with his elite ball skills. He averaged 20 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game with Kentucky last season and will be a very intriguing selection once the NBA Draft gets underway.
PG: Anthony “Cat” Barber
North Carolina State Wolfpack
Barber’s quickness and handles earned him the nickname “Cat” and they should translate well at the NBA level. He is extremely effective with either hand and his ability to take advantage of defenders that attempt to overplay him makes him lethal at the offensive end of the floor. Barber has enough height to make the leap to the NBA at 6’3’’ and if can add some physical strength he should be able to adapt fairly quickly at the next level.
A lot of mock drafts have Barber slipping to the second round in the NBA Draft, which means he should offer some good value in the 30-40 range.
