Ideally, in an NBA fantasy basketball league, your Point Guard excels in assists, steals, and free throw percentage. A fantasy point guard should also shoot a high percentage from the field, somewhere in the middle to high 40s, although you should overlook a low shooting percentage if the point guard performs well in other categories.
To me, this is the most important player on your fantasy team. On most NBA teams, this player has the ball in his hands for more time than any other player on the floor, save for the other team's point guard. Obviously this isn't the case in places like Miami and LA, and if you can grab an elite fantasy shooting guard or power forward before a capable point guard, then by all means, go ahead. Otherwise, you are better off drafting a good point guard in the early rounds, and then filling in your roster around him.
Without further ado, here are the best fantasy Point Guards to select in your second half NBA fantasy draft:
Top Tier
1. Chris Paul, NO Hornets, PG - CP3 is tearing up the league right now, and his Hornets are playing some of the best basketball in the league heading into the All Star break. Paul's field goal percentage is up 10 percentage points this year, and his free throw shooting is up 4 percent. If you have the first pick in your draft, use it to get Chris Paul. If he falls to your spot, draft him. I think his scoring and assist rate can only improve as the season progresses. Hands down, the best fantasy basketball player in the NBA, especially in leagues that count triple doubles.
16.5 ppg, 9.7 apg, 2.6 spg, 48.4 FG%, 89.7 FT%, 4 rpg, .1 bpg, 49 3PM, 2.4 TO
2. Deron Williams, Utah Jazz, PG - Who is the best point guard in the league? Is it Chris Paul? Is it Deron Williams? Tough question, but in fantasy basketball Paul stands out ahead of Williams. You'll see why in the stats. If Paul is gone in your fantasy draft, don't hesitate to use your first round pick on Deron Williams. He is an elite fantasy player, right around the same level as guys like Pau Gasol, Kevin Love, and even LeBron James. Deron Williams has missed a couple games recently due to a wrist injury, but he should be healthy after the All Star break.
21.9 ppg, 9.4 apg, 1.2 spg, 46.7 FG%, 85.5 FT%, 3.7 rpg, .17 bpg, 82 3PM 3.4 TO
The difference between the players is that Chris Paul gives your team a distinct advantage in the steals category. If you draft him, you should plan to draft other players with decent steal totals to lock up that category. The same strategy isn't applicable to Williams because he steals the ball at less than half the rate as CP3. This distinct difference highlights the difference between specialists and generalists in fantasy basketball. Generalists like Deron Williams are great to have on a fantasy team, but you need a few specialists on your team to win consistently.
Not Quite Elite
These next few Point Guards are just a shade below Paul and Williams in terms of production and consistency. Any of the guys listed here make solid first round draft selections. Still, weigh your options with what other players are left on the draft board.
3. Russell Westbrook, OKC Thunder, PG - This is Russell Westbrook's breakout season. He's increased his scoring by 5 points per game, he dishes out one and a half more assists per game, and his steals are up by .5 per game this season when compared to his career totals. Because of that, Westbrook has overtaken guys like Steve Nash, Rajon Rondo, and Tony Parker in terms of fantasy production.
22.7 ppg, 8.5 apg, 1.91 spg, 43.7 FG%, 85.1 FT%, 5.4 rpg, .46 bpg, 11 3PM, 3.85 TO
Westbrook's low three point totals likely dash your chances of winning that category. It's doable, but if you draft Westbrooke, you may be better off to focus on rebounds, blocks and assists in your other players instead.
4. Monta Ellis, GS Warriors, SG/PG - Ellis gets more value since he also plays the Point Guard position. He scores a bunch of points, plays heavy minutes, and shoots a high percentage. Ellis also leads the league in steals.
25.9 ppg, 47.4 FG%, 71 3PM, 75.5 FT%, 3.4 rpg, 5.6 apg, 2.27 spg, .27 bpg, 3.22 TO
The big problem with Ellis is his FT%. If you draft him, make sure you get a PG, SF, or PF that shoots a high FT%. Otherwise, you'll have to forget about winning that category consistently.
5. Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls, PG - Derrick Rose stepped his game up to another level playing for Team USA last summer. He does it all for the Bulls, and has his team far ahead in the Central Division standings. Rose's numbers should only improve when Joakim Noah returns to action. Rose is one of the do-it-all type fantasy players. Pair him with specialists.
24.4 ppg, 8.1 apg, 1.04 spg, 44.2 FG%, 82.6 FT %, 4.6 rpg, .72 bpg, 73 3PM, 3.46 TO
6. Steve Nash, Phoenix Suns, PG - Nash is the NBA's ageless wonder. The seasons and players keep changing around him, and he keeps posting amazing, consistent numbers. Nash is this generation's John Stockton, who could probably still play in the NBA today. It's hard work and passion for Nash, who plays with high intensity every game. Still a fantasy beast.
17.2 ppg, 11.0 apg, .63 spg, 53.1 FG%, 91.5 FT%, 3.6 rpg, .07 bpg, 49 3PM, 3.58 TO
Too bad he doesn't shoot more.
Best of the Rest
These guys are still worth taking a look at. Felton and Curry, especially. If you don't get one of the guys above, try to draft a PG who can give you high steals, assists, or three pointers.
- Raymond Felton, NY Knicks, PG
- Stephen Curry, GS Warriors, PG/SG
- Tony Parker, SA Spurs, PG,
- Rajon Rondo, Boston Celtics, PG
- Chauncey Billups, Denver Nuggets, PG
- Tyreke Evans, Sacremento Kings, PG/SG
Top Shooting Guards Here
Join the Conversation