Ranking the top 30 point guards in the NBA
18. . PG. Boston Celtics. Marcus Smart. 18. player
Top 30 NBA point guards — 18. Marcus Smart, Celtics
Marcus Smart was named Defensive Player of the Year, a fitting end to his best NBA season to date. The Celtics’ point guard finally stepped into the starting lineup full-time and delivered critically impressive results on both ends. Not only does he guard all five positions, but he’s a legitimate impact player on offense. He still gets too caught up in his own confidence from time to time, but Smart’s playmaking juice paid big dividends for Boston.
Atlanta Hawks. Dejounte Murray. 17. player. 125. . PG
Top 30 NBA point guards — 17. Dejounte Murray, Hawks
Dejounte Murray made the leap for a young San Antonio squad, earning his first All-Star bid in the process. He’s the heir apparent to Russell Westbrook’s triple-double crown and one of the most underrated guard defenders in the game. He needs to keep working on the 3-point shot, but Murray’s steady growth is a positive sign for the next era of Spurs basketball.
16. player. 100. . PG. Indiana Pacers. Tyrese Haliburton
Top 30 NBA point guards — 16. Tyrese Haliburton, Pacers
Tyrese Haliburton immediately took the point guard reigns in Indiana and made Sacramento regret the trade, whether they ever admit it or not. Haliburton has already proven his commitment to winning and his commitment to leadership at a young age. He’s the heart and soul of Indy’s rebuild, with advanced playmaking instincts and the kind of spirit you can build a locker room around. He’s one of the best volume shooters in the NBA already, and he’s getting better with his in-between game.