Top 30 NBA point guards — 9. James Harden, Sixers
A lot of people made fun of James Harden (or were downright mad) after the Sixers’ second-round loss. If you look at the numbers, however, he’s still producing at a level very few NBA players can reach. He’s a true basketball genius and the kind of player who, even in his diminished state, can make everyone around him better. Multiple Sixers leveled up after Harden’s arrival, and he can still hit some timely step-back 3s.
Top 30 NBA point guards — 8. Kyrie Irving, Nets
Kyrie Irving’s off-court antics have cast doubt over his future in Brooklyn, but the on-court product is hard to deny. Irving is arguably the most skilled guard we’ve ever seen. His handles, silky jump shot, and unreal finishing touch around the rim make him virtually unstoppable one-on-one. He doesn’t always elevate the guys around him in the traditional sense, but there’s a lot of value in someone who can beat a set defense as frequently as Irving.
Top 30 NBA point guards — 7. Jrue Holiday, Bucks
Jrue Holiday might hold the crown for NBA’s Best Perimeter Defender. When he’s locked in, there are simply no players who can smother the opposing ball-handler like Holiday while still maintaining a steadfast presence in the passing lanes. On offense, he’s a super efficient third option who racks up assists for a championship contender. There’s not much to complain about.