When talking about the elite point guards in 2023, the NBA has no shortage of incredible talent. From their assist averages to their scoring efficiency, each of these players brings a unique skill set to the court. Let’s dive into the phenomenal athletes who are currently ruling the point guard position.
Stephen Curry remains a top contender, showcasing his prowess as a versatile scorer. Imagine averaging 28.5 points per game while dishing out 6.9 assists. With a three-point shooting percentage of 42.8%, Curry continues to revolutionize how the game is played. Remember his game-winning performance against the Oklahoma City Thunder back in 2016? Well, his influence is just as potent today.
Luka Dončić is another name that demands respect. His ability to impact games with his passing and scoring is virtually unparalleled. At just 24 years old, Dončić averages a whopping 9.0 assists and 30.0 points per game. He has a player efficiency rating (PER) of 26.5, highlighting his immense value to the Dallas Mavericks. Dončić’s sensational triple-double against the Milwaukee Bucks remains one of the key highlights of his young career.
And let’s not forget Trae Young. This young point guard is showing us why the Atlanta Hawks invested heavily in him. Since leading his team to the Eastern Conference Finals in the 2020-21 season, Young has only improved. He averages 27.0 points and 9.4 assists per game. At just 24, he already boasts multiple 40-point, 10-assist games, something many veterans can’t claim.
In his second season with the Brooklyn Nets, Kyrie Irving’s incredible ball-handling skills and clutch performances keep fans on the edge of their seats. Averaging 25.1 points and 5.8 assists per game, his field goal percentage hovers around 49%. Remember his game-winning three-pointer in Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals? Irving lives for moments like that, making him one of the league’s premier point guards.
Ja Morant of the Memphis Grizzlies is another force to be reckoned with. At 23, Morant averages 27.4 points and 7.1 assists per game. He captured headlines with his jaw-dropping dunk over Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert this season. His 35-inch vertical leap and 94 feet-per-second sprint speed make him a human highlight reel.
For those who are new to the game, Chris Paul of the Phoenix Suns is a living legend. Despite being 38 years old, Paul continues to defy age with his masterful playmaking. Paul’s assist-to-turnover ratio of 4.2:1 is among the best in NBA history, solidifying his status as the “Point God.” In crucial playoff moments, like his 41-point outburst against the Clippers in the 2021 Western Conference Finals, Paul showcases why his influence transcends statistics.
Fred VanVleet of the Toronto Raptors is another rising star. After winning the 2019 NBA Championship, VanVleet’s stock has only risen. In the 2023 season, he averages 20.3 points and 6.7 assists per game. His ability to swish clutch three-pointers, combined with a knack for stout perimeter defense, makes him invaluable to the Raptors’ rotation.
De’Aaron Fox from the Sacramento Kings is yet another player worth mentioning. His blazing speed and knack for scoring have helped the Kings improve substantially. Averaging 25.2 points and 6.3 assists per game, Fox is essentially the engine that keeps the Kings’ offense running. His buzzer-beating three-pointer against the Milwaukee Bucks last season cemented his reputation as a clutch performer.
LaMelo Ball’s impact on the Charlotte Hornets has been nothing short of transformative. Averaging 20.1 points, 7.6 assists, and 6.9 rebounds per game, Ball is one of the most versatile point guards in the league. His flashy passes and instinctual playmaking skills make him a joy to watch, reminiscent of a young Magic Johnson. He’s also only 22, meaning his ceiling remains incredibly high.
Derrick White from the Boston Celtics may not always grab headlines, but his contributions are essential. With 14.2 points and 5.4 assists per game, White plays a crucial supporting role. His ability to switch defensively and knock down critical shots provides the Celtics with much-needed versatility. From his clutch performance against the Golden State Warriors to his lockdown defense on Stephen Curry, White does a bit of everything.
Then, of course, there’s Jrue Holiday from the Milwaukee Bucks. Holiday’s averages of 18.3 points and 6.9 assists per game don’t do justice to his impact on the game. Known for his elite defense, Holiday is the player you want guarding the opposing team’s best scorer. His critical steal and layup to seal a win against the Suns in the 2021 NBA Finals showcased his incredible defensive prowess.
Lastly, don’t overlook the contributions of Darius Garland from the Cleveland Cavaliers. Garland has transformed into one of the league’s emerging stars. Averaging 21.7 points and 8.3 assists per game, he has led the Cavaliers to numerous key victories. His ability to score from anywhere and his sharp court vision make him a dual threat that opponents must plan for.
The 2023 NBA season has already shown that point guards are more crucial than ever. These athletes not only excel in scoring and facilitating but also offer intangibles that cannot be quantified. With each game, they continue to redefine the position, proving why they are at the top of their field. For the latest NBA news and rankings, visit arena plus.