Top NBA Point Guards, Ranked
The point guard of an NBA team has many responsibilities.
They are the coach on the floor — a floor general. And they also can shoot, score, create offense for their teammates, rebound and defend.
We rate the league's floor generals from weakest to strongest.
These are the top 30 point guards in the NBA for the 2018-19 season.
#30: Malcolm Brogdon, Milwaukee Bucks
2017-18 Statistics
Points: 13.0
Rebounds: 3.3
Assists: 3.2
Steals: 0.9
3FG/G: 1.3
FG%: .485
FT%: .882
Outlook: It may seem like Malcolm Brogdon gets lost in the shuffle of so many productive players on the Bucks, but his past two seasons show he is capable of contributing in many different ways.
#29: Elfrid Payton, New Orleans Pelicans
2017-18 Statistics
Points: 12.7
Rebounds: 4.3
Assists: 6.2
Steals: 1.3
3FG/G: 0.5
FG%: .493
FT%: .649
Outlook: Elfrid Payton is playing on his third team in a year after being traded to the Phoenix Suns from the Orlando Magic last season. He provides stability and predictability. Over the last four years, he has averaged 12 points, six rebounds, four rebounds, and a steal per game. If only he shot better from the charity stripe and behind the arc.
#28: Reggie Jackson, Detroit Pistons
2017-18 Statistics
Points: 14.6
Rebounds: 2.8
Assists: 5.3
Steals: 0.6
3FG/G: 1.2
FG%: .426
FT%: .836
Outlook: Since averaging a career-high 18.8 points and 6.2 assists two years ago, Reggie Jackson has gone through difficult times. He has seen a noticeable dip in production across the board and has played just 52 and 45 games over the last two years, respectively. With a healthy campaign, he could increase his production.
#27: Darren Collison, Indiana Pacers
2017-18 Statistics
Points: 12.4
Rebounds: 2.6
Assists: 5.3
Steals: 1.3
3FG/G: 1.4
FG%: .495
FT%: .882
Outlook: Darren Collison, who has quietly developed into one of the more consistent players in the league, led the NBA in 3-point percentage last season. He will contribute in points, assists, steals and threes while posting excellent percentages.
#26: Kris Dunn, Chicago Bulls
2017-18 Statistics
Points: 13.4
Rebounds: 4.3
Assists: 6.0
Steals: 2.0
3FG/G: 0.8
FG%: .429
FT%: .737
Outlook: We’re excited about Kris Dunn, who made massive strides of improvement during his second year as a pro. After a forgettable rookie year in Minnesota, the 6-foot-4 Providence product came to Chicago and blossomed, significantly ballooning his statistics across the board — including posting 2.0 steals per game, which translated to fourth in the NBA among all players. As a candidate likely to now see 34-36 minutes, he will benefit from playing alongside Zach LaVine, Lauri Markkanen and Jabari Parker. If Dunn stays healthy, he could be a strong contributor.
#25: Dennis Smith Jr., Dallas Mavericks
2017-18 Statistics
Points: 15.2
Rebounds: 3.8
Assists: 5.2
Steals: 1.0
3FG/G: 1.5
FG%: .395
FT%: .694
Outlook: That was a nice rookie campaign, huh? Dennis Smith Jr. exploded onto the NBA scene with a terrific first year — and he showed enough flashes of brilliance to make us believe he could improve even more. He deserves to be ranked much higher if he improves on his percentages.
#24: Isaiah Thomas, Denver Nuggets
2017-18 Statistics
Points: 15.2
Rebounds: 2.1
Assists: 4.8
Steals: 0.5
3FG/G: 1.7
FG%: .373
FT%: .893
Outlook: It’s crazy to think Isaiah Thomas is just two years removed from being in the MVP discussions after averaging 29 points a game for the 2016-17 Boston Celtics. An injury-plagued year between the Cavaliers and Lakers is in the rearview mirror now and IT is ready to start anew in Denver. The Nuggets boast a lot of talent — especially in the backcourt — but we find it hard to believe he won’t settle into a nice role. Look for him to contribute.
#23: Lonzo Ball, Los Angeles Lakers
2017-18 Statistics
Points: 10.2
Rebounds: 6.9
Assists: 7.2
Steals: 1.7
3FG/G: 1.7
FG%: .360
FT%: .451
Outlook: Well, he's not his father. That’s a good start. Loud-mouthed Lamar Ball’s son, in all seriousness, had a decent rookie season and showed flashes of brilliance. His 10 points — which will likely jump a bit this year — aren’t bad either. If he can keep improving as a distributor, the Lakers could be a contender in the West.
#22: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls
2017-18 Statistics
Points: 16.7
Rebounds: 3.9
Assists: 3.0
Steals: 1.0
3FG/G: 1.8
FG%: .383
FT%: .813
Outlook: Upon coming back for 24 games with the Bulls after suffering a torn ACL in the previous season as a member of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Zach LaVine was not operating at 100 percent. Now, the high-flying guard claims he is back to full health and is aiming to become an All-Star. The 22-year-old could average between 20 and 23 points for Chicago.
#21: Ricky Rubio, Utah Jazz
2017-18 Statistics
Points: 13.1
Rebounds: 4.6
Assists: 5.3
Steals: 1.6
3FG/G: 1.2
FG%: .418
FT%: .866
Outlook: Ricky Rubio’s first season with the Jazz yielded interesting results. His scoring jumped considerably, his 3-point totals saw an uptick, yet his assists totals were nearly cut in half. Despite that one negative piece of evidence, he should continue to produce for a deep, talented Utah squad.
#20: Dennis Schroder, Oklahoma City Thunder
2017-18 Statistics
Points: 19.4
Rebounds: 3.1
Assists: 6.2
Steals: 1.1
3FG/G: 1.1
FG%: .436
FT%: .849
Outlook: Dennis Schroder no longer will be the main floor general for his team, as he now moves to OKC and in Russell Westbrook’s shadow. Don’t think this new situation will hinder his value in a big way, though. The Thunder will give the former Atlanta Hawk good minutes, and he’ll be a solid contributor.
#19: Jamal Murray, Denver Nuggets
2017-18 Statistics
Points: 16.7
Rebounds: 3.7
Assists: 3.4
Steals: 1.0
3FG/G: 2.0
FG%: .451
FT%: .905
Outlook: Jamal Murray took the necessary next step toward stardom during his fruitful second season with the Nuggets. As an elite free-throw shooter who averages over two 3-pointers per game and has the potential to creep toward the 20-point mark every night, he can be a solid anchor for Denver's backcourt.
#18: D’Angelo Russell, Brooklyn Nets
2017-18 Statistics
Points: 15.5
Rebounds: 3.9
Assists: 5.2
Steals: 0.8
3FG/G: 1.9
FG%: .414
FT%: .740
Outlook: D'Angelo Russell walked into his first year as a Net and was the focal point of an offensive unit. He failed to capitalize on the opportunity due to injuries that held him out of all but 48 games. With a clean bill of health and an improved roster, Russell might become a big-time contributor.
#17: Jeff Teague, Minnesota Timberwolves
2017-18 Statistics
Points: 14.2
Rebounds: 3.0
Assists: 7.0
Steals: 1.5
3FG/G: 1.2
FG%: .446
FT%: .845
Outlook: Jeff Teague benefits from playing alongside so many scoring weapons such as Karl-Anthony Towns, Jimmy Butler and Andrew Wiggins. You know exactly what you’re going to get from Teague — 15 points, 7 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.5 3-pointers per game with solid percentages.
#16: Eric Bledsoe, Milwaukee Bucks
2017-18 Statistics
Points: 17.7
Rebounds: 3.8
Assists: 5.0
Steals: 2.0
3FG/G: 1.7
FG%: .473
FT%: .795
Outlook: Consistency has never been an issue with Eric Bledsoe. Ready to shine in the final year of his current contract, he is hoping to stay healthy. There is cause for concern, given he’s missed half the season in three of his eight years in the NBA.
#15: Goran Dragic, Miami Heat
2017-18 Statistics
Points: 17.3
Rebounds: 4.1
Assists: 4.8
Steals: 0.8
3FG/G: 1.5
FG%: .450
FT%: .801
Outlook: Goran Dragic is a consistent producer who contributes in various ways. He likely won’t eclipse his 20-point average from two seasons ago, but his typical 17 points, five assists and four rebounds are solid.
#14: Mike Conley, Memphis Grizzlies
2017-18 Statistics
Points: 17.1
Rebounds: 2.3
Assists: 4.1
Steals: 1.0
3FG/G: 2.0
FG%: .381
FT%: .803
Outlook: Mike Conley missed all but 12 games of the 2017-18 season following left heel surgery, but after an entire offseason of rehabilitation, he's nearing full health and will be ready to open the season. If he can stay healthy, Conley can be a weapon for the Grizzlies.
#13: C.J. McCollum, Portland Trail Blazers
2017-18 Statistics
Points: 21.4
Rebounds: 4.0
Assists: 3.4
Steals: 1.0
3FG/G: 2.3
FG%: .443
FT%: .836
Outlook: A dual-position player, C.J. McCollum brings a wealth of value as both a shooting guard and point guard. With three straight seasons averaging over 20-plus points per game, he’s a safe bet for another terrific season.
#12: Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns
2017-18 Statistics
Points: 24.9
Rebounds: 4.5
Assists: 4.7
Steals: 0.9
3FG/G: 2.7
FG%: .432
FT%: .878
Outlook: Devin Booker underwent surgery to repair an injury to the fifth metacarpophalangeal joint of his right hand on Sept. 10, and the Suns say the expected recovery time is approximately six weeks. That would cause him to miss all of training camp and the first couple of games of the regular season, according to ESPN. This bit of uncertainty knocked him down a couple slots in our rankings, but look for him to benefit from rookie center and No. 1 overall pick DeAndre Ayton drawing defenses away from the perimeter.
#11: Kyle Lowry, Toronto Raptors
2017-18 Statistics
Points: 16.2
Rebounds: 5.6
Assists: 6.9
Steals: 1.1
3FG/G: 3.1
FG%: .427
FT%: .854
Outlook: While there’s been a lot of change in Toronto, Kyle Lowry’s role will not be altered at all. Playing alongside Kawhi Leonard now, the point guard will continue to churn out the same numbers we’ve become used to seeing over the last five years.
#10: Ben Simmons, Philadelphia 76ers
2017-18 Statistics
Points: 15.8
Rebounds: 8.1
Assists: 8.2
Steals: 1.7
3FG/G: 0.0
FG%: .545
FT%: .560
Outlook: Ben Simmons, at 6-foot-10, is not your average point guard in any way. And he has the potential to build off his incredible rookie-year numbers. But it would be nice if he could improve his free-throw percentage.
#11: Jrue Holiday, New Orleans Pelicans
2017-18 Statistics
Points: 19.0
Rebounds: 4.5
Assists: 6.0
Steals: 1.5
3FG/G: 1.5
FG%: .494
FT%: .786
Outlook: Jrue Holiday, who posted a career high in points last season, has become one of the most reliable point guards in basketball, averaging over six assists per game for six straight seasons.
#8: Chris Paul, Houston Rockets
2017-18 Statistics
Points: 18.6
Rebounds: 5.4
Assists: 7.9
Steals: 1.7
3FG/G: 2.5
FG%: .460
FT%: .919
Outlook: Chris Paul’s numbers didn’t suffer during his transition from Los Angeles to Houston except for his assist totals, which dipped from 9.2 to 7.9 — his lowest average since his rookie year. Regardless, the only issue with Paul is his health. He’s played in 74, 61 and 58 games over the past three years, respectively.
#7: Kemba Walker, Charlotte Hornets
2017-18 Statistics
Points: 22.1
Rebounds: 3.1
Assists: 5.6
Steals: 1.1
3FG/G: 2.9
FG%: .431
FT%: .864
Outlook: You could make an argument for Kemba Walker being ranked a lot higher. With three straight seasons of 20-plus points, 5-plus assists, two-plus 3-pointers, and one-plus steals a game, he is a consistent leader and contributor.
#6: Kyrie Irving, Boston Celtics
2017-18 Statistics
Points: 24.4
Rebounds: 3.8
Assists: 5.1
Steals: 1.1
3FG/G: 2.8
FG%: .491
FT%: .889
Outlook: Health has been an issue for the flashy All-Star. Kyrie Irving ahs played in 53, 72 and 60 regular-season games over the past three years, respectively. Still, he remains one of the most talented point guards — and weapons — in the NBA. Just cross your fingers he can suit up for 75-plus games.
#5: John Wall, Washington Wizards
2017-18 Statistics
Points: 19.4
Rebounds: 3.7
Assists: 9.6
Steals: 1.4
3FG/G: 1.5
FG%: .420
FT%: .726
Outlook: John Wall missed half the season, playing in just 41 games, in 2017-18, but he is prepared to pick up right where he left off as one of the game’s premier floor generals. If healthy, there’s no reason to believe he won’t eclipse 20-plus points and 10-plus assists per contest.
#4: Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers
2017-18 Statistics
Points: 26.9
Rebounds: 4.5
Assists: 6.6
Steals: 1.1
3FG/G: 3.1
FG%: .439
FT%: .916
Outlook: With three straight seasons averaging 25 points, six assists, three 3-pointers and four rebounds a game, Damian Lillard has become a star. Don't expect anything different from him this season.
#3: Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder
2017-18 Statistics
Points: 25.4
Rebounds: 10.1
Assists: 10.3
Steals: 1.8
3FG/G: 1.2
FG%: .449
FT%: .737
Outlook: The superstar underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee in early September, a procedure that likely will force him to miss the entire preseason and could sideline him for OKC’s first few regular-season games. Though it sounds like he won’t miss much time — if any — there’s still cause for concern this ailment could linger throughout the year. Sure, he’s averaged a triple-double in each of the last two years, but if he misses, say, 10 games, he loses a spot in our rankings.
#2: Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
2017-18 Statistics
Points: 26.4
Rebounds: 5.1
Assists: 6.1
Steals: 1.6
3FG/G: 4.2
FG%: .495
FT%: .921
Outlook: We’re so used to Stephen Curry’s brilliance that a season in which his puts up historic numbers (again) seems ho-hum. Despite the arrival of DeMarcus Cousins threatening to eat away at Curry, Klay Thompson and Kevin Durant’s touches, the game’s best shooter is still one of the top 10 players in the NBA.
#1: James Harden, Houston Rockets
2017-18 Statistics
Points: 30.4
Rebounds: 5.4
Assists: 8.8
Steals: 1.8
3FG/G: 3.7
FG%: .449
FT%: .858
Outlook: As the league’s most feared scorer, James Harden has the rare talent to shine as both a floor general and a shooting guard. Even as a point guard, Harden does it all: elite numbers across the board in percentages, 3-point totals, assists, rebounds, steals and points.