Oct 26 2011
Top 100 Players | Point Guards | Shooting Guards | Small Forwards | Power Forwards | CentersPoint guards will be your primary source of assists -- one of the eight cardinal categories tracked in most leagues -- making it important to draft at least one and possibly two of the better point guard options. But not all point guards are created equal -- teams like the Lakers, Heat and Kings don't really initiate their offense through the point guard position, and instead use the point guard primarily as a three-point shooting threat.
Another factor to consider -- some leagues will either count turnovers as a fantasy statistic, or use assist-to-turnover ratio instead of assists as a category. Because they handle the ball so much, point guards tend to rack up more turnovers than players at other positions. If you're playing in one of those leagues, take a closer look at the guards you draft; you could do your team more harm than good.
Players are ranked in terms of overall value in an eight-category (points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks, FT%, FG% and three pointers made) rotisserie-style league. While these rankings do not factor in turnover potential, players who are particularly likely to hurt you in that area are called out in the notes.
The NBA Lockout is also factored in to our rankings. With no summer leagues and training camps likely to be abbreviated, it will be particularly tough for rookie point guards to transition to the pros. That's the main reason that top overall draft pick Kyrie Irving and Spanish import Ricky Rubio didn't crack the positional top 25.
The number in parentheses is each player's rank on our Top 100 Fantasy NBA Players for 2011-12.
The Top 25
1. (3) Chris Paul: PG/Hornets - Knee issues make CP3 the riskiest pick among the true fantasy basketball elites, but when he's healthy, he's as good as anyone.2. (4) Derrick Rose: PG/Bulls - Marked improvement in his outside shot made Rose a top-five player - and the league MVP - last season. Have to wonder if his numbers will be as great if he isn't picking up the slack for injured teammates as much...
3. (5) Russell Westbrook: PG/Thunder - Don't worry over-much about his growing pains during the playoffs… he's just 22, and didn't even run the point in college.
4. (7) Stephen Curry: PG/Warriors - The arrival of Mark Jackson could signal a major change in Golden State's system, but Curry is a special talent who should thrive no matter what offense the Warriors opt to run.
5. (16) Deron Williams: PG/Nets - When healthy, D-Will is just a hair behind Paul, Rose and Westbrook in terms of overall fantasy value.
6. (23) Jrue Holiday: PG/Sixers - This should be the season that Holiday joins the ranks of the elite fantasy guards; he could lead the league in steals.
7. (26) Chauncey Billups: PG/Knicks - Billups three-point shooting lends itself well to Mike D'Antoni's offense, though he may be a bit old to
8. (27) Steve Nash: PG/Suns - Still a top assist man, still has outstanding percentages… but he has to slow down eventually, doesn't he?
9. (32) John Wall: PG/Wizards - Put together a very impressive rookie campaign despite a series of nagging injuries. But should probably still be considered a significant risk in the turnover category.
10. (35) Rajon Rondo: PG/Celtics - Rondo started the season like an MVP candidate, but his production took a nose dive after the Celtics traded Kendrick Perkins. Look for a return to pre-trade levels this season, but don't forget; Rondo still can't shoot.
11. (36) Mike Conley: PG/Grizzlies - For years, it seemed the Grizzlies were desperate for someone other than Conley to win the starting point guard job. But last season, he stepped up and helped lead the team on an impressive playoff run. How are you enjoying job security, Mike?
12. (40) Tony Parker: PG/Spurs - Before last season, it seemed Parker was on his way out. But after the trade of George Hill, he seems a larger part of the Spurs' short-term plans than he has in years.
13. (47) Kyle Lowry: PG/Rockets - Put up very impressive numbers after taking over the starting job, but has never been able to stay healthy for an extended period of time.
14. (51) Brandon Jennings: PG/Bucks - Over-rated? Some would argue he's still living off that 55-point outburst against the Warriors during his rookie year.
15. (54) Jason Kidd: PG/Mavericks - Kidd is an excellent example of a player developing a new skill late in his career; he's become a very effective three-point shooter. But he'll likely cede minutes to JJ Barea (if he's back in Dallas) and/or Roddy Beaubois this season.
16. (62) Raymond Felton: PG/Trail Blazers - Won't have to share the point guard job in Portland, but the Blazers play a much slower pace than the Nuggets or Knicks.
17. (65) Darren Collison: PG/Pacers - The acquisition of George Hill could help Collison by giving Indiana another capable ball-handler.
18. (69) Ty Lawson: PG/Nuggets - Finally getting a chance to run the team, without having to share with Felton or Billups.
19. (78) Devin Harris: PG/Jazz - The Jazz seemed less than thrilled with his play and were reportedly eager to draft a point guard last Spring. One of the league's most notorious injury risks.
20. (81) Andre Miller: PG/Nuggets - Faster pace of play in Denver could mitigate the playing time he'll lose as Ty Lawson's backup.
21. (84) Mo Williams: PG/Clippers - Could be a nice fit as a third guard. Or could find himself looking for a job if the rumored "amnesty provision" becomes reality.
22. (87) George Hill: PG/Pacers - Nice fit in Indiana, where he should help stablilize a shooting guard spot that's been in flux since Reggie Miller retired.
23. (93) Toney Douglas: PG/Knicks - Played much of last season with a shoulder injury; streaky scorer is a good fit for D'Antoni ball.
24. (94) Jameer Nelson: PG/Magic - Doesn't excel at any one category - including games played.
25. (95) DJ Augustin: PG/Bobcats - The Bobcats reportedly plan to play Augustin alongside Kemba Walker. Hard to imagine that working for any length of time.
The Next Five:
Jeff Teague (Hawks), Kyrie Irving (Cavaliers), Jose Calderon (Raptors), Kemba Walker (Bobcats), Ricky Rubio (Timberwolves)
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