Top 5 Active NBA Point Guards- #3

3. Tony Parker 

Many people may wonder how and or why Tony Parker is a top 3 point guard. Some may tend to challenge this notion, as his numbers are as modest as the Spurs seem to be as a collective unit. A quiet and reserved squad that pounces on its foes with precision, fantastic coaching, flawless execution and top notch communication.

At the helm of this attack is none other than Tony Parker, and the San Antonio Spurs couldn't be happier about this. As stated earlier, Parker's statistics are modest. 16.7 PPG, 5.7 APG, 2.3 RPG, 49% FG and 29.6 MPG, but his value to this team is of mammoth proportions. Parker is 12th in scoring among point guards and 17th in assists.

How could a Parker be a top 3 point guard in this league, but be absent from the top 10, in the major statistical categories that gauge a point guard's value and or talent? The answer to this question lies solely in minutes played, as Parker ranks 24th among point guards.

Mario Chalmers, Avery Bradley, Jameer Nelson, Trey Burke, Jeff Teague and Brandon Jennings have all played more minutes than Parker this year, as the 12 year Spurs floor general has only logged 1,981 minutes this season. His playing time has been abbreviated due to injury, as Parker has only participated in 67 contests this season.

San Antonio head coach Gregg Popovich has made it a known fact that he has wanted to rest and reserve his star players, as they tried to overcome the mental wreckage that was present from the 2013 Finals meltdown.

Pair this with the fact that Tony Parker was the driving force behind the Spurs magical finals run last year, and he competed intensely in EuroBasket this summer, and it's easy to how Parker's body finally caught up with him.

Even though sidelined by various maladies, the rest of the league's flock of point guards failed to catch up with Parker, as his veteran savvy fights off the rest of the competition from dethroning him as a top 3 point guard in this league. If Parker was given the same opportunity as the forenamed point guards, it's not outrageous to think he could produce in the same fashion.

Among the top 10 point guards in usage rate, Parker is the only PG, with the exception of Jimmer Fredette (yes I was surprised as you are) that plays less than 30 minutes per game. The highest MPG among these PG's is Steph Curry at 36.5, second is John Wall at 36.4, and third is Kyrie Irving at 35.3.

Parker is 8th in usage rate, and it wouldn't be hard to imagine him splurging to the top of this statistic if given the same MPG as some of the other point guards in this league. Again, Coach Pop's idea of preservation comes into play, as he's made it a focal point to rest the players that are imperative for another title run.

Last season, when Parker played 32.9 MPG, he averaged 20.3 PPG, 7.6 APG and 3.0 RPG. He also played 66 games last year, one fewer than he has played in the 2013-14 campaign. This just highlights the type of productivity Parker would have if he played the same number of minutes as the rest of the top point guards in this league.

But make no mistake, when Parker is on the court, he is a terrorizing figure. His craft in the open court leaves defenders in the dust, and his patience and wit in the half court has coaches reconstructing their defensive scheme to combat the 6 time all-star's effective attack.

His play meshes well with those around him, as he is the perfect blend of fury and composure. Tony's dynamic footwork, high basketball IQ and blinding quickness makes him a tough draw for anyone, and combine that with his surplus of playoff experience and it's easier to understand why Parker is one of the league's best point guards. He's a coach on the floor, allowing for Coach Pop to refrain from throwing a tantrum during a timeout to get his message across. Parker's understanding of what Pop wants delivered, makes it easier for that message to be extended to players on the court when things tend to go awry.

Younger players can gaze upon Parker's calm, collective and cool demeanor, and instill these same qualities within themselves to prevent mistakes from occurring in the most crucial moments of a game. And when the game is on the line, Parker is exceedingly reliable.

Parker thrives in barn-burning contests, and statistics vividly illustrate this. In 22 games that have reached "crunch time," Parker is averaging 2.8 PPG on 64% shooting, which is 3rd among guards. This isn't a surprise, as Parker leads all point guards in field goal percentage throughout the regular season. To qualify for "clutch" statistics, your team must be down 5 points or less, with 5 minutes to go in the game.

Under these circumstances, Parker is one of the best in the league at elevating his game and delivering a victory for his team when they need it most. These type of performances, these type of players are the ones that sustain success in this league and generate memorable moments in the regular season and beyond.

Parker's statistics may not be eye popping. His highlights may not be mesmerizing. The fact remains that the results he produces are. He was a legitimate MVP candidate last year, he's been stellar this season and he has orbs of championship experience. He's logged more Finals minutes than all of the point guards in my top 5 combined, and he has claimed 3 NBA championships, and 1 Finals MVP.

At the end of the day, Parker must be respected, and if it takes another Finals run to have his named murmured among the Rose's, Rondo's Paul's and Curry's, I am anxious to see what Parker pulls out of his bag of tricks to garner our attention once again.

Do you agree with Tony Parker's ranking? If not where should he be ranked? Should Steph Curry be higher than Parker? Share your thoughts with me on Twitter (@wcboyer24) and remember to continue to support The Basketball Society. 

Top 5 Active NBA Point Guards- #4

4. Stephen Curry 

With his speedy release and silky smooth ball handling ability, fans have become infatuated with watching Golden State Warriors point guard Steph Curry perform on a highly basis. Curry softens the most hardened of defenses with seemingly impossible three point makes, that mirror the ones you may see in a game of NBA2K14. Defenses become incensed when Curry is drilling the shots they are begging him to take, and the Oracle Arena crowd is sent into a frenzy, as Stephen puts on a circus act with unimaginable three point precision. 

For Steph, the most celebrated aspect of his game may be his accuracy from behind the arc, but he's becoming a well rounded player that has kept GSW's hopes of a deep playoff run intact despite the plethora of injuries the team has endured. The desired starting lineup of Curry, Thompson, Iguodala, Lee and Bogut have only played a total of 43 games together, as each player has been attempting to cope with nagging injuries. Curry has played the most amount of games out of those aforementioned players, competing in 76 games, only second to Klay Thompson's participation in 78 contests. 

For Curry this is impressive, as he's dealt with his fare share of injuries to his ankles throughout his early career. The sign of durability and dependability is encouraging for GSW as well, knowing they can depend on a top tier point guard to always be at their disposal against the stiffest of competition. With a roster that bolsters as much talent as the Dubs do on paper, the 6th seed seems to be somewhat disappointing, but all of the injuries could've had them in a much more unfortunate position. 

Golden State can move up before next Saturday's playoffs commence, but to do so they will need some luck and or a some virtuoso performances from Stephen Curry. The performances don't seem to be an issue, as Curry led GSW on Friday with 30 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds in only 35 minutes of work against the lowly Los Angeles Lakers.

On the season, Curry is averaging 23.6 PPG (career high,) 8.5 APG (career high,) and 4.3 RPG. The former Davidson Wildcat is shooting 47% from the field and 42% from three showing that consistency is highly in his favor. His usage rate is as high as it's ever been (28.2 up from 26.4 last year) but Golden State is content with this, as Curry has delivered time and time again for the championship hungry team. 

In statistics among point guards, Curry is 1st in scoring, 4th in rebounds, 2nd in FGM and FG%, 6th in assists and 3rd in double-doubles with 27, which includes 4 triple-doubles. Curry is 7th in scoring amongst all players, and his 247 three point field goal makes can be accredited to this. Curry is more than a 3 point specialist, but drilling bombs from beyond the arc is what he does better than anyone else, and this is what makes him incredibly lethal. From the 5 major three point areas on the court (right corner, right wing, straight ahead, left wing, left corner,) Curry is shooting 37% or better from each area. Omit the right corner, and Curry is shooting above 40% from all of the other spots. 

Curry also thrives in crunch time, as his performances in the clutch place him statistically as one of the top clutch players in the league. In the 38 games that have produced "crunch time" Curry is averaging 3.4 PPG which is 6th among qualifying players. He's shooting an 41% in these situations, higher than the likes of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. 

On pull-up jumpers, Curry is shooting 60% from the floor. On step-back jump shots, Steph is shooting 65% from the field. This is remarkable, as most defenses would be content with a player having to consistently knock down a shot of that nature. With a player of Curry's caliber, defenses are forced to adjust accordingly, and just when they do so, Curry uses his wizard like ball handling ability and craftiness to get others involved along with creating for himself.

Curry is averaging a career high in assists, as he's grown more comfortable with playing the point guard position. His assists have generated 1,440 points the highest of his career and 259 more points than last year. He is averaging nearly 4 turnovers per game, (3.8,) but the climb in that figure shouldn't be too surprising as it was mentioned before that Curry's usage rate has increased. If Golden State wants to shake things up in the western conference, Steph has to devote himself to having that turnover per game number shrink when the playoffs begin.

Steph is able to slice and dice through the defense when they attempt to take away his air space, as his sly and quick movements allow him for effective and deadly penetration. He can dump it off to one of his talented bigs for a layup or dunk, or sling it out to the other "Splash Brother," Klay Thompson for a three point bomb. Curry is playing calm, cool and collected basketball and he hopes to lead Golden State on a furious run in the postseason. With a win in Portland tonight, the Warriors will have their first 50 win season since 1993-1994. Curry would've only been 6 years old. The 26 year old hopes to cement his own legacy in GSW, as that passionate fan base yearns for a major accomplishment. 

If anyone can bring these accomplishments it's Curry. He's recognized as one of the leagues top point guards and players, but to truly become respected he must generate some type of postseason success for the Dubs. Right now would be a fantastic time to start, and if a surprising deep postseason run occurs for GSW, Curry could easily find himself moving up on this list. 

*All statistics were researched BEFORE GSW's game against Portland on Sunday.
*Steph Curry is the first player to make 250 three's in multiple seasons

Do you think Stephen Curry is a top 5 point guard in the NBA? Should he be ranked higher or lower? Hit me on Twitter with thoughts (@wcboyer24) and remember to continue to support The Basketball Society. 

LaMarcus Aldridge: Owning the Paint in Portland

"He possesses all the physical characteristics NBA GM's dream about in a big man. ... He is a quick and fluid player who moves like a ballerina and runs the floor like a guard. He is extremely coordinated for his size, and possesses a vertical leap that allows him to spring high off the floor in the blink of an eye. In today’s modern NBA that is so much more reliant on quickness and athleticism rather than brute strength, he has the ability to play either the 4 or the 5 spot for his team depending on where he is drafted."  While reading this snippet of an NBA scouting report on a college sophomore, one would assume this is a high caliber, dominating big man.  Well, this promising young big man coming out of the University of Texas is actually getting even better with every season that passes.  LaMarcus Aldridge, coming out of Texas, was heralded as a high potential player that would most likely be an all-star one day.  His positives in his scouting reports talked about his quickness, endurance, length, offensive fluidity, and offensive arsenal.  The negatives were about the lack of strength and aggressiveness that he possessed in college.  Now, Aldridge is one of the best big men in the league and he's holding down the paint in Portland.

Coming into the league, LaMarcus Aldridge had an average rookie year.  He only averaged 22.1 minutes per game, but he still made the most of his opportunities.  The 2006-'07 team that he played with in his first year, was a promising team led by the likes of Zach Randolph, Brandon Roy, and Jarrett Jack.  Aldridge had to prove himself so that he could takeover the starting center spot from Joel Przybilla.  The young big man went on to average 9.0 points per game and 5.0 rebounds per game while shooting .503 from the field and .722 from the charity stripe.  As a rookie, these numbers weren't too shabby, but there was also room for a lot of improvement.  He was showing a lot of promise throughout the season, but just wasn't getting much playing time since he was behind a veteran.  Little did Portland and NBA fans know however, he would prove that he deserves to be an every day starter and even an all-star.

His sophomore year he got his chance to start, and he did not disappoint.  In fact, his sophomore year and the next two years afterwards he was showing everyone that he could hang with talent in the NBA.  Throughout those three years Aldridge went on to average 17.9 ppg and 7.7 rpg.  He was growing and growing through the starting role, and he was becoming a bigger piece of the their team because important guys were going down with injuries.  Then came the 2010-'11 season, it was for sure a statement year.  Aldridge averaged 39.6 minutes per game this season, his most of any year, and he played every game but one.  He was no longer an inexperienced young gun, and he played like a wily veteran in the post.  He posted averages of 21.8 and 8.8, and also had a player efficiency rating of 21.5 (his second highest of his career).  Finally, in 2011 Aldridge received the credit he deserved and got his first all-star game selection.  Now, fast forward to the current season.  Aldridge is having a career year and he's helping lead this Portland team to the playoffs with the exciting Damian Lillard.  His field goal percentage is on par with the rest of his career, he's shooting his best percentage from the free throw line, and has a stat line of 23.3 ppg, 11.1 rpg, 21.9 per.  He's a force to be reckoned with and he will dominate your favorite big man.  So try to stay in your seats ladies and gentlemen, LaMarcus Aldridge is here to stay and he's gunning for a ring.

- Alex Fischbein (@Sixers_RunWitUs)

It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

March through June is the most exciting period of time in the world of sports. There is no other way to put it. The ever flowing stream of basketball that is provided is refreshing to bathe in for hoops junkies such as myself. In the beginning of March, you have college basketball and their conference tournaments. At the middle and tail-end of the month, you have the glorious NCAA Tournament and the near conclusion of the NBA regular season as the NBA Playoffs dawn upon us.

The NCAA Tournament for many fans is an evaluation period. It's a chance for those who casually skimmed through highlights, box scores and other sources of information during the college season, to truly engage themselves in the viewing of some promising stars. Some college players may be destined to change the fortunes of bottom feeding NBA teams, others may simply become a stellar player hoping to secure a position in someone's rotation. But for many of these kids, their dream of gracing an NBA floor may stop here. The idea of dueling with the Kobe Bryant's, LeBron James' and Kevin Durant's of the world are terminated as their tenure at their respective colleges is soon to be complete.


This is what makes the NCAA Tournament such a joy to watch. The heart, intensity, grit and dedication these kids play with is truly inspiring. It's what basketball is all about. One last chance for a cohesive unit to generate monumental buzz for their institution. One last opportunity to establish some incredible memories that will never dash from their heart, mind, spirit or soul. Factor all of these things in, and it produces some fantastic basketball games. Highly entertaining, thoroughly emotional and hotly contested match ups makes "March Madness" such an intriguing spectacle.

Certain teams were refused the glitz and glamor that big named schools such as Duke, Kansas and Kentucky command. These teams are what add a magic allure to the NCAA Tournament, as ball clubs such as Mercer and Dayton have an opportunity to showcase their talents. They finally have that opening to put on full display for the world why they are deserving to be in this tournament. Teams such as these who define the odds make bracket busting an enjoyable notion, as their victories manufacture fantastic memories that will forever be instilled in not only the minds of these young players, their coaches and their fan base, but of basketball fans country wide. These "cinderella teams"as they are often referred to as, add a spice and flavor to the tournament that makes it such an incredible event. The aspect of unpredictability makes "March Madness" such a great time. The tournament isn't crippled by top heavy teams, boasting numerous superstars. All that matters is one game. One moment to leap up in triumph, or collapse in defeat and misery.

In early April, the national championship game for this tournament rolls around, and a collegiate champion is crowned. The exhausting journey that is the NCAA Tournament concludes, and all attention goes to the big dogs. The NBAers. In early April, NBA teams are jockeying for playoff positioning which produces some of the best games of the season. Throughout the season, many complain of lulls teams go through. Periods of time where teams seem interested and have their mind fully fixated on the playoffs. Some teams in early April elect to preserve their mind and body, in preparation for the war that is the NBA Playoffs.

The intensity of the game, the hostile environments and the physicality that is sure to come during these contests make it such an appealing watch. The game slows down, the possessions mean more and the emotion is in full throttle. Superstars being to salivate at the prospect of cementing their legacy by accomplishing their career long dream: winning an NBA championship. Mid April through June is the most brilliant and beautiful display of basketball any individual could ask for. The NBA Playoffs is a mesh of intensity, skill and wit. Players trying to assert themselves as one of the NBA's top players and or teams.

Playing against the same team over a possible period of 7 games becomes annoying. Emotions start to fester up, venom starts to spew and blood starts to boil. Rivalries are then etched in stone, and classic match ups are born. While others may breakdown physically, some propel them
selves to heights others thought weren't possible with mental fortitude. Legends are established in the NBA Playoffs. Virtuoso performances are pumped out by those refusing to lie down and die, having their fate decided by the opposition. Legacies are heightened, some diminished. Whatever the case is, us fans sit discussing, blogging and tormenting some players via social media.

Yes, March until June is truly the most wonderful time of the year. A continuous display of basketball and all it's beauty. Fierce and devoted teams looking to promote themselves to the status of champion. Watching these squads attempt to get there is what's so remarkable, as some titans may folly and the meek may surprisingly prosper. Whatever the case is, sit back and immerse yourself in all of this basketball. And as the weather gets warmer, and the days get longer, don't be afraid to venture outside and run a couple games with some buddies. The highlight plays may be omitted, but the concept is all the same. Enjoy the game of basketball with an devoted mindset, and some fantastic memories can be produced. To some it's just a game, but for hoops junkies like myself its more than a game. The same is said in reference to the college and NBA teams looking to hunt down an NBA championship. The results may not always be pretty, but as always it should be appreciated.

Who do you think will win the NCAA Tournament? Who do you think will claim the NBA championship? Do you have any sleeper NBA Playoff teams? Share your thoughts and opinions with me on twitter @wcboyer24, and as always continue to support The Basketball Society.

NCAA March Madness: Favorite Players to watch this season

It's the most wonderful time of the year. March Madness is upon us. So many emphases were placed on this season in college basketball with regards to the super freshman class, deservingly. This list includes the players I enjoyed watching this season, some for much different reasons than others. This not my top overall players list, nor is this in any particular order. These were my favorite players to watch this season who I had the chance to watch, all of which will likely be participating in the madness after Selection Sunday.



Doug McDermott - Creighton, Senior

All of the numbers on McDermott's season have analysts running out of ways to describe how good he is. For me, it's truly been an honor to watch this guy develop into the clear-cut frontrunner for this year's Wooden Award. I remember watching McDermott years ago with notions of 'solid' in my takeaway from his game. Now, he's flat out dominant, much slimmer, quicker, and a lethal threat from anywhere on the floor. I love his feel, his footwork, and his decorated inside-out game, which has helped him accumulate over 3,000 points in his career after dropping 45 points on Providence in the Big East Tournament last Saturday.

Jabari Parker - Duke, Freshman

I fell in love with Parker's game right away, which for me was Duke's game vs. Kansas in November's tip-off tournament. What I saw was a raw confidence supplemented by gifted scoring abilities and a physical presence, which resulted in 27 points and 9 rebounds by the freshman on his first big stage. Since then we've seen Parker truly elevate his game, specifically in terms of getting easier baskets and playing more adamantly below the free throw line. He has also shown a tremendous, willful knack for rebounding the basketball, specifically defensively, which has kept Duke afloat on the glass against bigger teams. Parker's offensive rating was an astounding 113.3 this season, and that's while using 31.4 percent of Duke's possessions and taking 31.8 percent of their shots. He is and will continue to be a special talent, and I can say I'm honored to have watched him in likely his first and last college season.

Andrew Wiggins - Kansas, Freshman

Most of what I heard about Wiggins as a prospect had to do with his freakish athleticism, but  as I've watched him this season it has become more unfair to simply reduce it to that. Frankly, Wiggins has continued to show why his potential stock garnered comparisons to LeBron James -- he's nearly unstoppable in the open floor and uses his rare length, speed, and athleticism to cause problems on defense. However, he also has a potency to his offense that has started to mature on a major level just in the last week, scoring 41 points on 18 shot attempts in a loss at West Virginia and 30 points, 9 rebounds vs. Oklahoma State in the quarterfinal round of the Big 12 Tournament. If Wiggins has "figured it out" in terms of understanding time and possession, when to pull the trigger/use the first step, and found that middle ground between smart and aggressive, he's on watch for putting on an encore for what is expected to be his first and last season as a college basketball player.

Gary Harris - Michigan State, Sophomore

I've been a big fan of the Keith Appling-Gary Harris back court for the Spartans these last two years, and I think we've seen Harris grow up a bit this season. Izzo and Co. have suffered injury lapses but Harris has continued to develop individually. Although his shooting percentages dropped from his freshman campaign, his scoring has increased by +5 PPG and his capabilities are still affirmed. At 6-foot-4 Harris is an off-guard that can virtually score against anyone on the perimeter and off the bounce, and I think his junior year could be the solidifier in terms of calling him an elite pro prospect.

Russ Smith - Louisville, Senior

Louisville's postseason run last year opened my eyes to just how much I enjoy watching Russ Smith play basketball. His tenacious individual defense correlates with Rick Pitino's desire to suffocate the opposition with full court pressure. I love how Smith uses his cat-quickness as a defender to corner, jam, and dictate ball handlers. On the offensive side, he's a cannon. When you see how dangerously streaky this guy is you start to understand why Allen Iverson's name has been mentioned incessantly along with "Russ-diculous". You also get a sense of how he earned that nickname. His trigger is quick off the catch, his shot selection is eager but justified, and he can get wherever he wants using the dribble as fast as he wants to get there.

Nik Stauskas - Michigan, Junior

I love seeing guys embrace a new role. Nik Stauskas' role during Michigan's Final Four run last season was to hit outside shots, which he did. Without their Trey Burke catalyst this season, Stauskas has taken on a more primary role in Michigan's offense. The ball is in his hands more and he has shown more of a repertoire, particularly off the dribble. Increasing his scoring average by 6 points per game and harnessing more responsibility for the Wolverines offense has shown Stauskas' full embrace of his new role. He's deceptively shifty with the basketball and has helped his team maintain their identity even after losing Burke and Hardaway Jr. to the NBA Draft and big man Mitch McGary to injury.

Nick Johnson - Arizona, Junior

I started taking a closer look at Arizona when they began to ascend as one of the nation's top teams this season, and what I first noticed, per usual, was the guard play. I saw stability in the back court with T.J. McConnell and Nick Johnson. Earning Pac-12 Player of the Year, Johnson's two-way impact is what I enjoy more than anything. Recognized as one of the best defenders in the conference, his quickness, strength, and athleticism allow him to guard multiple positions. On the offensive end, he leads the Wildcats in scoring (16.1 PPG) with efficiency and poise. He's not really a prolific shot creator but he provides steady and stable offense, which obviously comes in handy this time of the year.

Georges Niang - Iowa State, Sophomore

This season for Iowa State has pointed so much deserving attention to stand outs DeAndre Kane and Melvin Ejim, who have had spectacular seasons, but I might argue that Georges Niang is the most critical asset of their big three. My first time truly watching Niang was during Iowa State's match-up with Oklahoma State on February 3. I watched him make two 17-foot jumpers and complete two pinpoint, high-IQ assists to DeAndre Kane, (one an alley-oop from the top of the key, the other a kick out from the post on a double team) scoring or assisting on 15 of the Cyclones' first 17 points of the game. This guy is one of those rare playmakers at the forward position who compensates a lack of vertical athleticism with a savvy feel for the game.

Jerami Grant - Syracuse, Sophomore

What I've enjoyed most about watching Jerami Grant this season is his role in the Syracuse 2-3 zone. Jim Boeheim does an excellent job of finding guys like Grant and C.J. Fair who have great length on the bottom wing of the zone, but more importantly, can cover ground quickly by discouraging the wing pass and guarding the bass line simultaneously. Grant's length is a crucial aspect to Syracuse's ability to neutralize offenses with the zone. He finds his points offensively, mostly on the glass, and displays great patience for his size when he does look to create. Grant is the kind of specimen that NBA scouts have kept their eye on all season.

Shabazz Napier - UCONN, Junior

Napier is the current poster child for embracing a new role. Filling the shoes of his predecessor Kemba Walker might have seemed like a tall order at the time, but right now I believe Shabazz Napier to be the most dangerous guard in college basketball. His fearlessness is evident, but more specifically, it's his elusively off-the-dribble that astounds me each time I watch him. His ability to go from the dribble into his jump shot is seamless and limitless. You can't really disrupt him or make him uncomfortable because he fully understands situations, spacing, and timing. Deservingly earning AAC Player of the Year, don't be at all surprised if Napier lights up March the way his predecessor did.

Lamar Patterson - Pittsburgh, Senior

Patterson very well may be one of the most improved all-around players in the country. The fifth-year senior increased his scoring average from 10 to just under 18 PPG this season, giving Jamie Dixon and the Panthers their reliable go-to option. Dixon's offense runs through Patterson as a scorer, but also as a playmaker, constantly in pick-and-roll situations because of his wonderful passing and decision making in those scenarios. He's a gifted shooter, can put it on the floor, and can seemingly create any shot he needs, but I love watching his concerted knack for getting his teammates involved.

Other players I've enjoyed watching this season: Julius Randle (Kentucky), Patrick Young (Florida), Tyler Haws (BYU), Perry Ellis (Kansas), Marcus Paige (UNC), Sean Kilpatrick (Cincinnati), Kyle Anderson (UCLA), Aaron Gordon (Arizona)

- Martin S. (@marley_mcfly)

#BasketballSociety - Phil Jackson to the Knicks? [CLIP]

According to today's reports, Phil Jackson is very close to finalizing his new front office position with the New York Knicks. Here's a clip from our show this weekend when we discussed the potential impact of the Zen Master returning to the team he once played and won for:

Top 30 NBA Point Guards

For my induction into the Basketball Society I decided to do a Top 30 ranking of NBA Point Guards. This was not a case where every team was represented (Knicks), but a general Top 30 list. This is not a ranking on entire careers, so don't expect Steve Nash on my list. He's definitely a Hall of Famer, but he's arguably the 3rd best PG on his team AT THE MOMENT. Some things I took into consideration were stats, winning, defense (not just steal totals), clutch factor, and importance to the team. All the stats are for the 2013-2014 season through the date of 2/5/2014. I will also give a brief summary of why I put them where they are.

30. Jameer Nelson - 13.3 PPG, 6.7 APG, 3.5 RPG, 37.4 3P%, 14.7 PER

I have never been a big Nelson fan, but he is quietly having a solid season, and the fact that he hasn't lost the starting PG spot to Victor Oladipo shows that he is having a pretty good all around season.

29. Mario Chalmers - 9.5 PPG, 5.0 APG, 2.8 RPG, 1.8 SPG, 38.5 3P%, 14.6 PER

Mario Chalmers is not even a Top 5 point guard on NBA 2k14, but he is ideal for the Miami scheme: He can hit the open shots, hustles, solid defense, can throw a lob pass, and can be yelled at and not cry afterwards.

28. Brandon Knight - 16.3 PPG, 4.8 APG, 3.6 RPG, 1.0 SPG, 15.9 PER

Now, most people hear Brandon Knight's name and think of the 4 week stretch last year where he was crossed, dunked on, blew a wide open, game tying layup by airballing, and getting completely destroyed on a pick in the open floor, but he has quietly improved. He's always been a solid spot up shooter, solid on-ball defender, and they're not many PGs with more heart than him.

27. Reggie Jackson - 13.5 PPG, 4.2 APG, 3.8 RPG, 1.0 SPG, 15.6 PER

Reggie Jackson is the best full-time bench PG in the league (no one can seriously think he's gonna start over Westbrook) he's a pretty damn good scorer, and he's been amazing as a injury replacement for OKC (which I didn't think he could do so I was wrong).

26. Ricky Rubio - 8.5 PPG, 8.3 APG, 4.6 RPG, 2.6 SPG, 15.2 PER

Ricky Rubio is a PG in the 2000's Steve Nash mode as far as flashiness and passing ability, but he is a god awful shooter. It hurts his team at teams and it seems like he has gotten worse. He does manage to get a lot of steals for someone who isn't known for defense.

25. Jose Calderon - 11.7 PPG, 4.8 APG, 2.2 RPG, 1.0 SPG, 44.1 3P%, 15.3 PER

Calderon is one of the best shooting players in recent NBA history. His assists are way down but that is due to the amazing development of Monta Ellis, which i'm sure Calderon had a hand in.

24. Trey Burke - 12.7 PPG, 5.6 APG, 3.2 RPG, 12.9 PER

Burke shook off an early injury and has made a big difference for the Jazz. It's still a shock that he fell as far s he did but he is still Top 5 in ROY voting and should dominate in the Rising Stars Game.

23. Jeremy Lin - 13.4 PPG, 4.5 APG, 2.6 RPG, 1.0 SPG, 15.0 PER

Gone are the days of Linsanity, but Jeremy Lin is still a solid starter/6th man for the Rockets. He can still get to the hole when needed, and having Dwight Howard has helped with some of his offensive and defensive mistakes.

22. George Hill - 10.5 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 3.3 APG, 1.0 SPG, 37.4 3P%, 13.8 PER

To be a PG and average only 3.3 APG is unacceptable, but Indiana doesn't need him to be a playmaker. Indiana needs him for what he does best: defend. Hill is maybe the best on-ball PG defender in the NBA and despite his low stats, is very important to Indiana and whatever success they will have this year.

21. Brandon Jennings - 17.2 PPG, 8.1 APG, 3.2 RPG, 1.6 SPG, 16.6 PER

Jennings is the lead man on my team, the Pistons. He is actually having a career year, and rarely has a bad game. That being sad, on defense, he phones it in at times, and God forbid someone scores on him because he takes it personally (in a bad way). And for someone with a gunner reputation, he shoots 39%. Overall. For his career. Yikes.

20. Kemba Walker - 18.4 PPG, 5.1 APG, 4.3 RPG, 1.4 SPG, 35.3 3P%, 17.6 PER

"Cardiac" Kemba was having a great season before suffering an ankle injury (that he recently returned from) and he also gets the title for best draft selection by a team ran by Michael Jordan. He has improved his shooting and defense and is a leader on a surprise Charlotte team.

19. Mike Conley - 18.0 PPG, 6.3 APG, 2.7 RPG, 1.6 SPG, 36.9 3P%, 21.3 PER

Mike Conley is a very good point guard. The fact that he is ranked this low shows the amazing depth at the position in today's NBA. If George Hill is the best on-ball defender at the position, then Conley is a close #2, and he has improved offensively.

18. Jrue Holiday - 14.3 PPG, 7.9 APG, 4.2 RPG, 1.6 SPG, 39.0 3P%, 17.4 PER

Holiday was having a good season coming off of his career year last year before he was injured a while back. He is shooting and scoring less but is shooting at better percentages and is one of the best 23 or younger PGs in the league.

17. Michael Carter-Williams - 17.2 PPG, 6.6 APG, 5.4 RPG, 2.2 SPG, 16.5 PER

Barring something drastic, MCW will be the ROY this season. He is putting up numbers that are not common for rookie point guards in today's era, and he will be the leader of a Philadelphia playoff appearance in the 2014-15 season (I'm calling it now).

16. Deron Williams - 13.5 PPG, 6.9 APG, 2.4 RPG, 1.0 SPG, 40.2 3P%, 17.4 PER

Remember when Chris Paul vs Deron Williams used to be a debate? Yeah....2008 was great. Williams is nothing more than a serviceable PG that can turn back the clock at times. Right now, he's in the 6th man role in Brooklyn, partially due to production and durability.

15 & 14. Goran Dragic and Eric Bledsoe - 20.1 PPG, 6.0 APG, 3.6 RPG, 1.3 SPG, 39.2 3P%, 22.3 PER (GD) 18.0 PPG, 5.8 APG, 4.3 RPG, 1.5 SPG, 35.0 3P%, 19.9 PER (EB)

I really found it unfair to pick one of these over the other so I put them in the same spot. They are one and the same. Yes, Dragic is having the better season, but before Bledsoe injured his knee, these two literally had damn near identical stats in every category. They make a very good 2 headed guard tandem (very undersized however), and they have led Phoenix to being THE surprise team in the NBA this year. Add 4 draft picks and this team may become a powerhouse very soon.

13. Jeff Teague - 15.9 PPG, 7.4 APG, 2.7 RPG, 1.3 SPG, 16.3 PER

Teague is a above average defender with long arms, and offensively, he has surprise hops and will dunk on you if you let him. He also seems to have Atlanta in the playoffs every year, no matter the talent.

12. Isaiah Thomas - 20.0 PPG, 6.2 APG, 2.8 RPG, 1.3 SPG, 37.3 3P%, 21.1 PER

I already know that I will be harassed about this pick here and I am fully prepared for it, but there are not many point guards in the league right now better than Isaiah Thomas. He's a 5'9 PG who can shoot the ball, score in the paint, and leads a team with Rudy Gay and Boogie Cousins on it. He also is an ok defender for his size, he can score in the clutch, and now that he is a full time starter, receiving 30+ minutes a game, he could possibly sneak into the Top 10.

11. Ty Lawson - 18.1 PPG, 8.9 APG, 3.6 RPG, 1.5 SPG, 35.0 3P%, 20.0 PER

It seems like you never hear Ty Lawson's name of the things that he does, but he is a very good PG. He shooting percentages are down across the board but he is also averaging a career high in points. He is getting to the free throw line over 2 more times per game than at any point in his career and it shows. And he's also one of few point guards to be averaging 16/8/3 on the season.

10. Kyle Lowry - 16.6 PPG, 7.5 APG, 4.3 RPG, 1.6 SPG, 39.4 3P%, 20.0 PER

Lowry is probably the most underrated player in the league (it is debatable), and he is definitely the biggest all-star snub. Lowry is a decent rebounder for his size, a very good shooter and passer, an underrated team leader, and is slowly becoming one of my favorite players to watch in the league. Only reason he is this low is because I couldn't exactly say I would take him over anybody that is ahead of him.

9. Damian Lillard - 20.6 PPG, 5.7 APG, 3.7 RPG, 40.5 3P%, 18.8 PER

Lillard has earned best PG in the league hype (he's not) for his ability to always show up in the clutch. What Lillard is at this moment is a great PG that shoots (and makes) enough threes to where he could possibly challenge Steph Curry's 3pointers made record in the near future.

8. Kyrie Irving - 21.4 PPG, 6.2 APG, 3.2 RPG, 1.3 SPG, 35.4 3P%, 18.9 PER

Kyrie is a great young PG with AMAZING handles (ask Brandon Knight), good (yet inconsistent) court vision, a clutch factor, but poor durability, which is why I can't put him higher on my list.

7. Derrick Rose - 15.9 PPG, 4.3 APG, 3.2 RPG, 10.0 PER

Rose was having a terrible year coming off of his torn ACL before he suffered another major knee injury. I won't say much, because we all know what type of player that he is when he is fully healthy.

6. John Wall - 20.0 PPG, 8.5 APG, 4.4 RPG, 2.1 SPG, 20.2 PER

Wall is much improved, and he is showing that the max contract that he signed is well earned. His only major weakness (shooting) is not that big of a weakness anymore. He is a complete PG.

5. Steph Curry - 24.3 PPG, 9.1 APG, 4.4 RPG, 1.8 SPG, 40.2 3P%, 23.3 PER

Steph may be the best shooter in NBA history. This year, he actually improved on his numbers and upped his APG by 2. If he played a little bit better defense, he would maybe be the best PG in the league.

4. Tony Parker - 18.1 PPG, 6.3 APG, 2.3 RPG, 50.5 FG%, 20.1 PER

It has never really been about the individual stats for Parker. He is year in and year out a consistent 18 and 6 player on a yearly 50 win team. He can score when needed, and is the best inside scoring PG in the league.

3. Rajon Rondo - 8.4 PPG, 6.9 APG, 4.8 RPG, 1.4 SPG, 11.7 PER

It's hard to judge Rondo on his stats this year as he has recently returned from a torn ACL. When completely healthy, you can pencil him in for 10/10/5 every single night and he'd rarely fall under that. Also, for someone who has shooting as his weakness, Rondo tends to hit the important jumpers. And he is a SNEAKY rebounder. It feels like you never see him actually grab a rebound but then you see the box score and he has 12.

2. Russell Westbrook - 23.3 PPG, 7.6 APG, 6.5 RPG, 1.9 SPG, 21.6 PER

Russ is one of if not the best all around point guard in the league. He scores (a lot), he rebounds (a lot), he passes (not enough, for some people), he's a high-flyer, he defends, and he's usually durable (his knee injury was caused by someone else).

1. Chris Paul- 19.6 PPG, 11.2 APG, 4.6 RPG, 2.4 SPG, 35.6 3P%, 27.4 PER

Just gonna keep this short: One of Chris Paul's nicknames is The Point God. Enough Said.

This list was compiled and written by Azevia Craft (@tryna_be_famous), member of The Basketball Society.