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NBA 2021 training camp is about a month away, a significant date in the offseason as we inch closer to the start of the 2021-22 season.
Playmaking is a crucial part of the modern game, as the NBA is now more guard-oriented. Having a guard who can score and create often provides a massive boost to a team's offense.
The talent pool in the NBA point guard position is unbelievable. However, Jamal Murray, Shai-Gilgeous Alexander,and Ja Morant deserve special mention for the roles they've played in their teams' success so far.
On that note, here are the top ten point guards heading into the 2021-22 NBA season.
#10 Ben Simmons
It remains unclear which team Ben Simmons will turn out for at start of the 2021-22 NBA season, as his fallout with the Philadelphia 76ers is yet to be resolved. The Sixers have scared away a few potential suitors with ridiculous requests, leaving the young guard stuck in limbo.
Nevertheless, Simmons is a top-tier guard, and is on course to deliver another outstanding performance in the 2021-22 NBA season. With elite defending and playmaking abilities, all he has to do is improve his shooting significantly.
Simmons ended the 2020-21 NBA regular season averaging 14.3 points, 7.2 rebounds, 6.9 assists and 1.6 steals per game. Although he is desperately lacking in confidence, he remains a force to be reckoned with in transition.
#9 De'Aaron Fox
De'Aaron Fox has been on an upward trajectory since his rookie season, and it is difficult to see him slow down. He ended the 2020-21 NBA campaign with a career-best tally of 25.2 points, 7.2 assists and 3.5 rebounds.
Watching Fox in the 2021-22 NBA season will be fun, as he is arguably the fastest player with the ball in his hands. Although he has some work in shooting and ball protection, Fox is still an elite scorer, and has room for improvement.
#8 Jrue Holiday
Jrue Holiday played a crucial role in helping the Milwaukee Bucks clinch their first NBA title in 50 years, during the 2021 Finals. His clutch steal and alley-oop pass to Giannis Antetokounmpo in Game 5 gave the Bucks their first lead in the series.
Heading into the 2021-22 NBA season, Holiday will be one to watch out for. While he is nowhere close to being the most explosive player, he is arguably the best two-way point guard in the NBA right now.
Holiday ended the 2020-21 NBA campaign, averaging 17.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, 6.1 assists and 1.6 steals per game. With the confidence from winning an NBA title and a gold medal in the Tokyo Olympics 2020 in under one month, he could have another outstanding season.
#7 Russell Westbrook
The LA Lakers were in the market for an elite point guard following Dennis Schroder's exit, and opted for Russell Westbrook. While many believe Westbrook may not be as productive because of the presence of LeBron James, that is highly unlikely.
The triple-double machine has played with some of the biggest names in the NBA, including Kevin Durant, and has managed to stay productive. He has been brought in to complement James and Anthony Davis, an endeavor Schroder failed at.
Westbrook ended the 2020-21 NBA season with another triple-double, averaging 22.2 points, 11.5 rebounds and 11.7 assists per game. Playing for the Lakers might unlock a new level for Brodie and give him that elusive NBA chip.
#6 Chris Paul
Chris Paul led the Phoenix Suns to their first NBA playoffs appearance since 2010. It was also an individual milestone for him in his 16-year career.
Paul's first-year run with the Suns was a huge success, prompting the Suns to re-sign him on a four-year $120-million deal. The Suns will be hoping for a re-run, with Paul leading the pack.
Although he is getting up there in age, his basketball IQ is one of the highest in the NBA right now. What he lacks in athleticism, he makes up for with his mid-range jumpers and elite playmaking ability. His averages for the 2020-21 NBA season were 16.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, 8.9 assists and 93.4% from the foul line per game.
#5 Trae Young
Trae Young was sensational for the Atlanta Hawks in the 2020-21 NBA regular season and the playoffs. If it wasn't for injury, perhaps the Eastern Conference finals might have had a different outcome.
Despite his point-per-game drop compared to his sophomore campaign, Young had the best season of his career in the 2020-21 season. His decision-making was a whole lot better, coupled with his near-perfect floaters, which were unstoppable.
Young may be welcomed with boos, especially when he takes a trip to Madison Square Garden. Nevertheless, his 2020-21 showing is an indication that there is more to come from him in the new season.
#4 Kyrie Irving
Although Kyrie Irving gave away his spot as point guard to James Harden, he will be included on this list based on his natural position. He is arguably the best ball-handler in the NBA right now.
Irving ended the season as a member of the exclusive 50/40/90 club, cementing his spot as one of the most efficient scorers in NBA history. Despite playing alongside offensive maestros like Kevin Durant and Harden, Irving averaged 26.9 points, 6.1 assists and 4.8 rebounds during the 2020-21 NBA season.
It is mind-boggling to think what could have happened during the 2021-22 NBA season had both co-members of the big 3 were healthy. Irving's scoring and assists tallies are likely to skyrocket in 2021-22, as there will be a level of fluidity in the Brooklyn Nets' offense that could be difficult to guard against.
#3 Damian Lillard
Damian Lillard and the Portland Trail Blazers have struggled to find success in the NBA playoffs, but that is in no part due to Lillard's inefficiencies. His production for the Trail Blazers has been stellar, but he lacks the right support cast.
Lillard has been at the center of several trade talks this summer amid interest in competing for the championships, but it looks like he will be staying with the Blazers. His 55-point outing in Game 5 of the 2021 NBA playoffs first round set several playoff records, making him one of the most sought-after guards in the league.
When it comes to clutch, there is no better scorer than Dame in the NBA right now. Dame Time has gone beyond bragging and savvy branding, as he has made that evident night after night.
He ended his 2020-21 campaign, averaging 28.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 7.5 assists per game while shooting at 45% from the field. There could be more sublime displays from the superstar, who will hope to rally his team to another playoff appearance.
#2 Luka Doncic
Luka Doncic is at the center of many 'what if' moments in his career. He played through injury in the 2021 NBA playoffs, where he was bested by the LA Clippers in the Western Conference semi-finals. At the international level, he missed out on getting a medal at the Tokyo Olympics 2020 due to injuries too.
The Slovenian puts his body on the line so much that it breaks down at such crucial moments. Nevertheless, Doncic is one of the best point guards in the NBA and is almost impossible to guard against.
He ended his third season in the NBA, averaging 27.7 points, eight rebounds and 8.6 assists per game. He is the leader of the younger players, and is likely to be the face of the NBA after the LeBron James era comes to an end.
#1 Stephen Curry
Being the sole scorer for a team can be a burden for some of the best superstars in the NBA, but not for Stephen Curry. His historic April takeover during the 2020-21 NBA season has arguably been the best individual performance in the league in the last decade.
Ranking Curry as the No. 1 point guard ahead of the 2021-22 season should draw no protest considering how his 2020-21 NBA campaign panned out. He ended the season as the leading scorer, averaging 32 points, 5.8 assists and 5.5 rebounds per game.
With Klay Thompson expected to return by Christmas, a lot of the scoring load will be lifted off Curry. If that happens, it could be another huge year for the Warriors' floor general.
Guess the Lakers players!
