15. LaMelo Ball, Hornets
Up to this point, LaMelo Ball has been able to put up impressive stats, but it hasn’t led to winning with the Charlotte Hornets. However, the 6-foot-7 has a better-supporting cast than in years past, however, the coaching in Charlotte remains a concern. One area that Ball can improve on is his defense.
“Despite the 6-foot-5 guard not being his scoring prime, he’s still an elite playmaker in the NBA.”
14. Trae Young, Hawks
Like Ball, Trae Young also struggles on the defensive end but that has more to do with the 6-foot-1 frame. In years past, the Atlanta Hawks point guard would have been higher on this list, but last season he was very inefficient as a shooter which has hurt him in these rankings.
13. James Harden, 76ers
As of now, James Harden is a member of the Philadelphia 76ers despite asking for a trade earlier this offseason. Despite the 6-foot-5 guard not being his scoring prime, he’s still an elite playmaker in the NBA. It will be interesting if Harden remains at the point guard position next year assuming he stays in Philly due to the emergence of Tyrese Maxey.
12. Darius Garland, Cavaliers
Despite being a part of one of the smallest backcourts in the NBA, Darius Garland was still able to impress last season. The 6-foot-1 point guard is half of a dynamic backcourt that the Cleveland Cavaliers have and should continue to be the Cavaliers’ second-best player.
11. Devin Booker, Suns
In years past, Devin Booker would be a top-five shooting guard, but the 6-foot-5 guard will take the lead guard position this season. It’s because the Phoenix Suns traded Chris Paul for shooting guard Bradley Beal this off-season. Booker could climb higher on this list, but this will be the first full season he will take on the point guard role, so keeping him out of the 10-point seems appropriate.