30. Isaiah Thomas, Washington Wizards
Isaiah Thomas’ fall from grace has been difficult to swallow. Once a fan-favorite personality in Boston, injuries have left I.T. at the lowest point in his career. In just 12 games last season, Thomas averaged 8.1 points on 34.3 percent shooting. He never kept his spot in Denver’s rotation.
While there’s still value in Thomas’ locker room presence, I’m becoming more and more skeptical of a potential return to form. In the evolving NBA, it’s tough for 5-foot-9 point guards will no defensive equity to benefit a team. Washington will give him every chance to prove me wrong.
29. Avery Bradley, Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers’ rotation could go several different directions. Assuming LeBron James takes on the mantle of lead facilitator, it feels odd to include him in the point guard discussion. Therefore Avery Bradley lands here by default.
Bradley was largely bad last season, averaging 9.9 points on a middling 40.8 percent shooting. His strong end to the season in Memphis does leave hope, however, and the Lakers should put him in a well-defined role. He will need to hit spot-up 3s and defend point guards, where his value is rooted.
28. Darius Garland, Cleveland Cavaliers
The fifth overall pick in June, Darius Garland will line up opposite Collin Sexton in the Cavaliers’ unique backcourt. You could split hairs and argue Sexton deserves ‘point guard’ honors, but we still don’t know which role each will play. Garland has the more slender frame.
A dynamic shooter with deep range and impressive shot versatility, Garland earned loose Damian Lillard comparisons in the pre-draft process. That’s a lofty bar to set, but his floor spacing and pick-and-roll upside should bode well in Cleveland. Rookie point guards tend to struggle, though.