Philadelphia 76ers: Ranking point guards in 2021 preseason

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Philadelphia 76ers, Ben Simmons Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports /

10. Ben Simmons

“…in a vacuum, Simmons’ a top-10 point guard…”

Ranking Ben Simmons was hard for me. In terms of talent, he’s a top-10 point guard. However, his mental makeup, reliability, and overall limitations would make several players behind him on this list more attractive on the Philadelphia 76ers. However, in a vacuum, Simmons’ a top-10 point guard, but don’t be surprised if he is moved at some point in the future.

9. Shai-Gilgeous Alexander

Technically, Shai-Gilgeous Alexander (SGA) is a combo guard but based on the projected starting five for the Oklahoma City Thunder, he’s a point guard. That being said, SGA is already a two-way star at the position. It’s a shame the Thunder aren’t in a place to contend, because he’s talented enough to be a top-three player for a title contender.

8. Jrue Holiday

There’s no doubt about it, Jrue Holiday is a top-five defender in the NBA and he proved it as the Milwaukee Bucks won their second championship in franchise history. He’s a two-way star and while his offense isn’t always at an All-Star level, his defense makes up for that shortcoming.

7. Russell Westbrook

The debate is over, Russell Westbrook is the most athletic point guard in NBA and he’s a top-10 point guard of All-Time. His shooting woes and his over-aggressiveness has hurt his teams in the playoffs, but the talent can’t be denied. It will be interesting if he, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis can make a deep run with the Los Angeles Lakers.

6. Trae Young

Both Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers learned just how good Trae Young was this postseason. Atlanta’s point guard led this young Hawks team to an improbably Eastern Conference Finals run. Young has his flaws as a defender, but what he can do on both side of the ball can’t be denied.