Passin' the Torch - Point Guards

"I leave the game in good hands. So many great stars are rising and playing the game. I have passed on the things that Dr. J and some of the great players--Magic Johnson, Larry Bird--have passed on to me; I pass on to these All-Stars here, as well as to the rest of the players in the NBA. I want to thank you all for your support. Now I can go home and feel at peace with the game of basketball."
Michael Jordon, 2003 NBA All-Star Game

Michael Jordan "passed" on the game to a handful of amazing superstars: Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, Allen Iverson etc. Who would these superstars pass on the game to once it's their time to go? This is the first part of a five part series I would like to call, "Passin' the Torch." In this series I would like to highlight the top 5 players (25 years of age and below) in their respective positions (PG, SG, SF, PF, C), currently playing in the NBA today. This first part will focus on point guards.

Stephen Curry (22)
2009-2010 Stats

FG%	3P%	FT%	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TOV	PTS
.462	.437	.885	4.5	5.9	1.9	0.2	3.1	17.5

Stephen Curry is as complete as they come when it comes to point guards. He can shoot, dish, rebound, and play some defense. He's quick on his feet and with his brain. Although he was just a rookie last year, he displayed great maturity being able to lead the Warriors at the point and co-exist with Monta Ellis in the back court. This year is looking good for him as his assist totals should go up with the pick and roll machine, David Lee, working with him. I see Stephen Curry becoming one of the top PG's in the NBA in the near future. But to be considered one of the all-time greats, he's going to need to start leading his team to wins and possibly some championships.


Russell Westbrook(22)
2009-2010 Stats

FG%	3P%	FT%	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TOV	PTS
.418	.221	.780	4.9	8.0	1.3	0.4	3.3	15.7

Westbrook is probably the most athletic point guard in the NBA today. His ability to get to the rim is amazing because of his quickness and athleticism. Westbrook's mid-range jumper is also very solid. Although he never really had a starting gig as a point guard in college, he learned quickly how to lead a group when coming to the NBA (thank you Tae for the correction!). Playing alongside Kevin Durant and the rest of the Thunder, he averaged an astounding 8 assists per game. Not only is he getting his assists, but he got just under 5 rebounds a game. He will definitely be flirting with a few triple-doubles this coming year. His defense is also notable being able to average a steal a game. He is definitely one of the better defenders in his position. The only downside to Westbrook's game is his field-goal percentage. He only shot about 41%, so he needs to work on his shot selection and consistency.


Derrick Rose (22)
2009-2010 Stats

FG%	3P%	FT%	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TOV	PTS
.489	.267	.766	3.8	6.0	0.7	0.3	2.8	20.87

Rose is quite possibly the fastest and strongest point guard in the game today. He is a beast when going to the rim and any player would have trouble keeping up with him. He can single-handedly break down defenses, even good defenses (i.e. 2009 playoffs against the Celtics). With a post player to pass the rock to now, Rose's assists should go up this year and even more solidify his status as one of the best point guards in the game. The biggest downfall to his game is his lack of a jumper (from beyond the arch) and lack of defense. He's the only point guard on this list that doesn't average at least 1 steal a game. Not being able to hit beyond the arch is not that big of a deal, but if he adds that to his already dominating game, who knows what his limit is? This guy could soon enough be the best point guard in the NBA if he continues his growth.


Rajon Rondo (24)
2009-2010 Stats

FG%	3P%	FT%	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TOV	PTS
.508	.213	.621	4.4	9.8	2.3	0.1	3.0	13.7

Rajon Rondo is probably the best team leader on this list. With or without the Celtics Big 3, Rondo has proven his leadership abilities. He was able to help guide the Celtics to the 2008 NBA Championship, and I would be hard pressed to think the Celtics could of done it without him. Although he might not be the scorer that Paul or Rose is, we all know that Rondo can score when he needs to. Rondo is very crafty with the ball. You don't know if he's going to drive it to the hoop or pass the ball to find an open team mate. His court vision is excellent and he is definitely one of the best passers in the game today. Another highlight is Rondo's defense. His length and quickness definitely helps and is one reason why he was the league's steals leader this past NBA season. Although Rajon Rondo's abilities on both ends of the floor are excellent, one thing he really lacks is a consistent jumper. He won't scare teams away with his jump shots or free-throw shooting, so that is something he can definitely work on. But despite this crutch, Rondo's playing-making ability and defense are more than enough to rank him as one of the best point guards in the game.


Chris Paul (25)
2009-2010 Stats

FG%	3P%	FT%	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TOV	PTS
.493	.409	.847	4.2	10.7	2.1	0.2	2.5	18.7

CP3. What can I say? This guy is THE best point guard in the league right now. Although he only played 45 games last year, when healthy, this guy is unstoppable. I know a lot of people will say Deron Williams is the best point guard right now, but I have hope in Chris Paul. He is the ideal point guard. He can score, dish, rebound, defend, and win. He's led the league in assists and steals in previous years, his FG%, FT% and 3P% are amazing and he can grab rebounds. A point guard is supposed to lead his team on the court and make his team mates better. That is exactly what Chris Paul does. He even made Tyson Chandler look good! Barring any more injury to Paul, I believe he'll take the title as the best point guard in the league.

Runner Ups: Deron Williams (26 - Would be up there on the list, but is 1 year too late!), John Wall (20 - still has a lot to prove, but will be on this list sooner than later), Aaron Brooks (25 - lightning quick and a scoring machine, didn't quite make the list b/c he isn't as complete as his fellow pg's above), Brandon Jennings (21 - talented beyond his age, but not as good as the top 5)