NBA Free Agency 2018: 5 best point guards available

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As we prepare to enter free agency this year, we will look at the point guard position, and which players teams should be most excited about there.

Similar to the game of basketball, the point guard position has really evolved. Point guards are no longer just distributors but have instead become the focal points of offenses. They score a high amount while still setting up their teammates. Plus they have become deadly three point shooters. Point guard has become the most demanding position in basketball, making the signings of these players in free agency immensely important to teams.

Other position free agent rankings: Centers, Power Forwards, Small Forwards, Shooting Guards

Stats courtesy of basketball-reference, offensive and defensive rating from NBA.com

5. Elfrid Payton

Looking at his career, Elfrid Payton is clearly suited to be a role player for teams. He will come in and facilitate the offense while a more scoring minded point guard rests. Payton entered the NBA as a solid play maker without a great jump shot and that is where he is now. The only two knocks on Payton are that he hasn’t really improved his game and that he doesn’t have a jump shot.

Outside of that, seeing Payton for what he is, he does certain things well and can be trusted to do them. Putting him in a role where he has to shoot the ball frequently will simply frustrate him and the team. However, allowing him to get on the ball and set his teammates up will be the ideal play for him.

Last season, Payton was in the top half of the league as the ball handler in the pick and roll. He also had the tenth best assist percentage in the NBA. He thrived in the role of play creator, and has done so his entire career. Every year, he has averaged over 6 assists per game, and last year, the Suns saw his impact once they traded for him.

Before he was acquired, their adjusted assist to pass ratio was 8.4%, however afterwards, it became 9%. Bringing in Payton caused the Suns to pass with a purpose. As long as he is just a facilitator, Payton will thrive next year.

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