Positional Power Rankings: 30 best point guards in the NBA

Mar 13, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; LA Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) pushes Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) away from LA Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) during the fourth quarter at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Utah Jazz won the game 114-108. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports /

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We are immersed in the golden age of NBA point guards.

Rule changes favoring offensive perimeter players and the league’s continued emphasis on the spread pick-and-roll has placed a higher offensive burden on guards. The game is continually moving away from the post and out to the perimeter, where spacing has created some of the best offense the league has ever seen. It’s a golden age for point guards.

There are a number of talented floor generals in the league, as most teams now have a solid starter. But ranking them is possible despite the depth at the position. Here’s a look at which point guards have played best during the 2016-2017 season:

Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Cory Joseph

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Cory Joseph was an unsure NBA prospect coming out of the University of Texas. He lasted until the 29th pick of the 2011 NBA Draft, where he was selected by the San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs brought Joseph along slowly, but he improved each season he was there. By the end of Joseph’s fourth year, he was considered a rising young backup in the league. The Raptors brought him home to Canada with a four-year, $30 million dollar deal during the summer of 2015.

Joseph became the Raptors sixth man upon his arrival. He also managed to continue his career trend of continual improvement, posting career numbers across the board in his bigger role. The Raptors didn’t ask Joseph to be a scorer for them; instead his role was to come in, play solid defense, and make the right plays. Now in year-two of his tenure in Toronto, he has improved his stats again, including a drastic jump in 3-point percentage. He plays his role well for the Raptors.

Kyle Lowry was shut down with a wrist injury following the All-Star break, and Joseph has been pressed into a full time starting role as a result. He has helped keep Toronto afloat during its star’s absence. Joseph has averaged 11.3 points and 4.5 assists during his time as a starter. In addition, he has helped the Raptors boost their play defensively. Joseph isn’t an explosive player, but he is a solid one. The Raptors have managed to go 10-5 without their All-Star point guard, a testament to what Joseph offers.

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