Who Are the Best Point Guards in the NBA Right Now?
As I sit here watching the playoffs unfold, I can't help but reflect on what truly separates the elite point guards from the rest in today's NBA. Having followed basketball religiously for over two decades, I've developed a pretty good sense for what makes these floor generals tick. The conversation about the best point guards right now is particularly fascinating because we're witnessing an evolution in how the position is played. Gone are the days when point guards were simply pass-first facilitators - today's elite ones need to be scoring threats, defensive stalwarts, and emotional leaders all rolled into one package.
When I think about Stephen Curry, it's impossible not to start with him. At 35 years old, he's putting up numbers that would be career years for most players - 29.4 points per game while shooting 42.7% from three-point range. What continues to amaze me isn't just his shooting, but how he's adapted his game as he's aged. He's developed a surprisingly effective post game against smaller guards and remains one of the craftiest off-ball movers I've ever seen. The way he manipulates defenses without even touching the ball is pure artistry. Some critics point to his defense as a weakness, but I've noticed he's become much smarter about using his positioning to compensate for any physical limitations.
Then there's Luka Dončić, who might be the most gifted offensive creator I've witnessed since LeBron James entered the league. Watching him methodically pick apart defenses feels like observing a chess grandmaster at work. His statistics are video game numbers - 32.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 8.0 assists per game this season - but what the box score doesn't show is how completely the game moves at his pace. I've spoken with several NBA scouts who believe he might eventually redefine what's possible for a primary ball-handler. My only reservation with Luka has been his conditioning and defensive consistency, though I must admit he's shown improvement in both areas during crucial moments this postseason.
The younger generation brings its own excitement, and I'm particularly high on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. His ascent this season has been remarkable to watch unfold. What impresses me most about SGA is his old-school mid-range game combined with modern efficiency - he's shooting over 50% from the field while attempting barely any threes by today's standards. His ability to change speeds reminds me of a young Tony Parker, but with more length and defensive potential. At just 24 years old, he's already carrying the Thunder to unexpected heights, and I wouldn't be surprised if he wins an MVP within the next three seasons.
Damian Lillard continues to deserve mention, especially after his 71-point explosion earlier this season. There's something about Dame's game that feels built for pressure moments. I've tracked his numbers in clutch situations over the past five seasons, and he consistently ranks among the top three in effective field goal percentage when the game is within five points in the final five minutes. His deep range has fundamentally changed how defenses have to scheme against Portland, creating driving lanes that simply didn't exist before defenders had to worry about shots from 35 feet.
The conversation about elite point guards inevitably leads to Chris Paul, even at 38 years old. What fascinates me about CP3 at this stage of his career is how he's reinvented himself as primarily a facilitator and crunch-time specialist. His scoring numbers have dipped to 13.4 points per game, but he's still averaging 8.9 assists with his trademark low turnover rate. Watching him mentor younger players while still controlling games in fourth quarters has been one of the more subtle joys of this NBA season. It reminds me of what the great John Stockton was able to do in his later years.
When considering what makes these point guards truly special, I'm reminded of something I once heard from a veteran coach about playoff basketball. He told me, "The best point guards make everyone around them better, but the truly great ones elevate everyone's game when it matters most." This sentiment echoes what Tolentino mentioned about handling pressure and outside noise while focusing on incremental progress through each playoff round. The mental aspect of leading a team through the postseason grind cannot be overstated. Having the "twice-to-beat" advantage means nothing if your floor general can't maximize that opportunity, just as having talented teammates means little if your point guard can't bring out their best qualities.
Ja Morant brings an entirely different dimension to the position with his athleticism and fearlessness attacking the rim. While his off-court decisions have raised legitimate concerns, his on-court impact when available is undeniable. The Grizzlies' offensive rating jumps by 8.7 points when he's on the floor, which speaks volumes about his ability to create advantages through pure speed and vertical pressure. I do worry about his long-term durability given his high-flying style, but there's no denying he's among the most explosive players at his position.
What often gets overlooked in these discussions is two-way impact, which is why I have a particular appreciation for Marcus Smart. He might not put up the flashy numbers of some other point guards, but his defensive versatility and intangible contributions are championship-caliber. I've lost count of how many times I've seen him take charges against bigger players or make the right rotational read that doesn't show up in traditional statistics. In many ways, he represents the evolution of the point guard position toward defensive Swiss Army knives who can also facilitate offense.
As the playoffs continue, I'm watching how these lead guards handle the increasing pressure. The best ones, much like Tolentino described, learn to block out the outside noise while focusing on the incremental steps toward championship success. They understand that regular season accolades mean little once the postseason begins, and that maximizing advantages - whether it's a twice-to-beat scenario or a favorable matchup - separates the good from the truly great. Having witnessed numerous playoff runs over the years, I've come to believe that point guard performance in April, May, and June ultimately defines how we remember these players historically. The ones who elevate their games when the lights are brightest tend to carve out their places in basketball lore, regardless of what their regular season numbers might suggest.