NBA Free Agency 2018: 5 best point guards available

HOUSTON, TX - MAY 24: Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets looks on in Game Five of the Western Conference Finals against the Golden State Warriors during the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 24, 2018 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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TORONTO, ON – MAY 03: Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors dribbles the ball in the first half of Game Two of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre on May 3, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

4. Fred VanVleet

The Wichita State product finally got to see somewhat of an expanded role last year and he impressed. He finished the year with a 15.9 PER and 55.6% true shooting percentage.

While he was mostly a driver in college, he has improved his jump shot and that is what has propelled him to where he is now. Last year, he shot 41.4% from three point range demonstrating that he now can be the deadly three point shooter point guards are becoming.

Doing this hasn’t prevented him from being a solid distributor of the basketball as well. Per 36 minutes, he would average 5.8 assists. That would tie him for 17th in the NBA last year, with more assists per game than 2 time All-Star Kemba Walker.

Correctly, he has said that his “game fits any style.” He has a lot of experience penetrating then making the right pass to find a teammate. Last year, he showcased a new and improved jump shot which he can knock down at a high rate. Plus, he is a very good defender. His rookie year, he posted a defensive rating of 91.7, albeit in a small sample size. However, in the expanded role last year, he was still just around 100 at 99.9. He does whatever is needed in order to win.

VanVleet did a lot with his role last year, but it remains to be seen if he can do that again. Should he join a team other than the Raptors, they will be cautious about that. There are no other question marks regarding VanVleet except that he only played 20 minutes per game last year.

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