Top 5 Point Guards to look out for this Season

Counting down the top 5 Point Guards currently in the NBAThe 2015-16 season is just around the corner and we hope you’re as pumped up as we are. With an incredible offseason following a nail-biting playoff series, we can surely expect magic in a few weeks. The ball handlers and play makers of the game: the Point Guards are the key to success in today’s game where team’s often play small. This is Sportskeeda’s countdown to the most exciting PGs to look out for this season.

#5 Tony Parker

The Spurs had a pretty good season last year that ended with a respectable 7-game playoff series with the Clippers. In spite of his ankle giving him trouble, Parker averaged a respectable 14.4 points and 4.9 assists last season. He still plays like his younger self and at times his body isn’t able to keep up with him. If he’s smarter about it, he should have an injury-free season to chase his dream; the fifth championship ring.

The Spurs have had an incredible off-season and now their roster is full of stars making it difficult to even decide who’s going to be a starter and who will be benched. They now have LaMarcus Aldridge and David West who’ve joined their existing superstars Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Kawhi Leonard. To add to that, they have one of the most legendary coaches guiding them - Gregg Popovich. Even though Patty Mills does a fair job handling the ball, this superstar team just has one superstar Point Guard to make the different personalities work. Parker may not get a better team/ better coach or a better opportunity to earn the championship.

Seize the day, Mr. Parker, seize the day.

#4 Kyrie Irving

Kyrie Irving is one of the best ball handlers in the game. Only a fool would question it. The man has moves. However, he struggled with his injury during the playoffs last season which set back his team, letting the championship slip away from their fingers. The 23-year-old guard isn’t a hundred percent yet and it will be wise on David Blatt’s part to give him his time to recover fully. Kevin Love is back and James is still on his throne. They’ll definitely take care of the Cavs till Irving makes a comeback.

Once he’s healthy and back, he’ll definitely give the other star PGs a run for their money. He had more than a few high scoring games last season and Cleveland missed him severely in the playoffs. He has to assume his #2 position on the team enabling them to end Cleveland’s championship draught. Having a person like Lebron James on your team can be very stressful. Finishing second is not an option.

#3 Chris Paul

Chris Paul with teammates Jordan and Griffin

The Spurs weren’t the only ones to get amazing deals this offseason. The Clippers magically retained DeAndre Jordan and acquired Paul Pierce, Josh Smith and Lance Stephenson to make a deep team. After bringing down the reigning champions last season while overcoming severe management issues, the Clippers are hungrier than ever to be the top contenders this season.

Chris Paul has the most experience in that team. He’s a seasoned veteran who can be relied upon to make those final plays and take those last second shots. His series-clinching shot in Game 7 last season was one of the most exciting moments in basketball. We can be sure that he’ll only get better with this new and improved crew. In spite of always being one of the elite point guards, CP3 has never won a championship in his career. That can make a man desperate. Let’s hope he channels that energy to get a ring this time.

#2 Russell Westbrook

Russell Westbrook with Head Coach Donovan and now healthy teammates Durant and Ibaka

Russell Westbrook was inarguably the best PG in the second half of last season. He came back from his early season injury with a bang, exploding to the ring and putting up unbelievable numbers. Westbrook has always been more than a point guard to his team. He can go on a rampage, taking on whole teams while shooting from outside the arc, recognizing mismatches and posting up and his rim shattering abilities are unbelievable. Knowing Westbrook, he’s only going to work harder and come back stronger this season.

With Durant and Ibaka making promising returns this season from their injuries, and new coach Billy Donovan’s ball movement strategies, Oklahoma City Thunder already has a promising future. Everyone knows that Durant enters free agency next season which will probably mean that the sun’s going to set on his long partnership with Russell. Hopefully, Westbrook will make the most of his partnership this season and possibly have the best season of his career.

#1 Stephen Curry

One day when his career is complete, Stephen Curry will take his place as one of the top 20 players in NBA history. The smaller Splash Brother can do it all; make ridiculous passes, crossover and drive to the rim and most dangerously, shoot from anywhere of the court with unreal precision. He has incredible handles and genius playmaking abilities. Plus he hasn’t had recurring health issues like many in the NBA, so that ensures consistency and constant improvement in his skills.

The reigning champion and last season’s MVP doesn’t seem like he’s going to slow down anytime soon. If it’s even possible, he’s going to become better. He already has an amazing chemistry with the best team and the best coach. Makes you wonder. Could history repeat itself?