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The NBA has since its inception produced tons of point guards with legendary status including Magic Johnson, Oscar Robertson, Bob Cousy, Derrick Rose, Chris Paul and Steve Nash. Players in this position are said to be the coach on the floor, coordinating the gameplay and taking notes on every occurrence such as timeouts left, the shot and game clock, and the scoreboard.
The point guards have been considered to be the most important player on the court since such a player is an extension of the coach. With this season commencing soonest, let's take a look at the top five point guards that can reach their full potential.
Five NBA point guards that could attain their maximum potential in the coming season
#5 Darius Garland (Cleveland Cavaliers)
The Cleveland Cavaliers No. 5 overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft, Darius Garland, started off his debut season as a shooting guard for the Cavaliers but was switched to point guard position in his sophomore season. He led the team in assists in his debut season, having made 59 appearances and averaged 12.3 points, 1.9 rebounds and 3.9 assists.
Boog, as he is fondly nicknamed, was the first player born in 2000s to make an NBA debut. Garland had a better sophomore season with the Cavaliers as he led the team in assists and placed second in three-pointers and third in points and field goals. The 21-year old has raw talent and will likely attain his potential this season.
#4 Lonzo Ball (Chicago Bulls)
Lonzo Ball spent his first two seasons in the NBA representing the Los Angeles Lakers, as he was selected by them in the 2017 NBA draft as the No. 2 overall pick. In his debut season, he made the NBA All-Rookie Second Team, having finished the season with an average of 10.2 points, 6.9 rebounds and 7.2 assists per game, leading the team in assists and steals.
In his second and final season with the Lakers, his performance dipped, but he led the Lakers in steals, having only managed 9.9 points, 5.3 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game. He was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans and is on the way to proving what a star quality he can be even though he has had a slow start, which will most likely happen in the 2021-22 NBA season. He recorded a career-high 14.6 points per game last season, leading the team in assists, steals and three-pointers.
#3 Ja Morant (Memphis Grizzlies)
Ja Morant made his NBA debut on October 23, 2019, having been drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies as the second overall pick in 2019. He signed a two-year deal worth over $17 million and has been worth every penny ever since his debutant. He had an amazing debut season, outperforming every rookie in the league, leading them in points and assists.
He finished the season with an average of 17.8 points, 3.9 rebounds and 7.3 assists, leading the team in points, assists, field goals, free throws and two-points. Little wonder why it was no surprise when he was named the 2020 NBA Rookie of the Year award and earned him a spot on the All-Rookie First Team. Morant also led the team in points, assists and free throws in his sophomore season, averaging 19.1 points, 4.0 rebounds and 7.4 assists in 63 appearances. The 2021-22 NBA season will be no different when it comes to his growth and dominance in the league.
#2 LaMelo Ball (Charlotte Hornets)
Charlotte Hornets 20-year old point guard, LaMelo Ball, was selected as the No. 3 overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft. With his brother being the No. 2 overall pick in the 2017 draft, they became the first brothers to be drafted in the top 3 selection in the history of the NBA. He debuted for the Hornets last season and put up a stellar performance with his stylish and fun-to-watch approach.
Melo recorded an average of 15.7 points, 5.9 rebounds and 6.1 assists in 51 games played. He was named the 2021 NBA Rookie of the Year and made it to the All-Rookie First Team. He led the team in assists and steals while placing second on free throws, third on points, rebounds and field goals. He is expected to have a blowout season in the 2021-22 season.
#1 Ben Simmons (Philadelphia 76ers)
Ben Simmons was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft. His supposed debut season with the 76ers was marred by a foot injury which saw him sit out the entire season.
He debuted for the 76ers in the 2017-18 NBA season and played a total of 81 games with a starting role in all appearances, finishing the season with 15.8 points, 8.1 rebounds and 8.2 assists per game. He led the team in assists and steals and was only second to Joel Embiid in rebounds and field goals. With such an outstanding performance in his rookie season, he was named the NBA Rookie of the Year and made the All-Rookie First Team.
The three-time All-Star player has since shown growth in his game as he was the NBA steals champion in the 2019-20 NBA season and was selected into the All-Defensive First Team in 2020 and 2021. Simmons will be looking to send a strong message to the league in the coming season and we just might see the explosion we know he is capable of.
