Point guards are vital for a successful pro team. Here are the 10 ball handlers in the 2018 NBA Draft most likely to have the best careers on the next level.
There’s no position in the NBA with more quality depth right now than at the point guard position. There might be 20 all-star caliber players right now at the spot, with several annual snubs for the exhibition game in the middle of the season.
That makes it all the more important for teams in the lottery to find their own star ball handler. Last season, the top two picks (Markelle Fultz and Lonzo Ball) were both point guards, with another two (Frank Ntilikina and Dennis Smith Jr.) getting selected in the top-10. In total, 11 point guards were among the 60 picks in the 2017 NBA Draft.
When it comes to this draft, the overall number might be the same, but the first-round picks are likely to be much higher. There are a few “one and done” stars that made a huge impression, while some college veterans with a mantle full of awards have also made a case to be picked in the first round.
Like in college, it’s important for NBA teams to hit on their future franchise point guard. The responsibilities are different now, with them not only having to facilitate the offense, but they must also be an offensive threat – or risk hurting the spacing on the floor.
The following is a list of 10 college point guards (International Luka Doncic not included) that I believe will have the best pro career. It’s a stacked list for sure, so who knows how many all-stars will come from this set of rankings.
10. Devonte’ Graham – Kansas Jayhawks
College stats: 12.3 ppg 3.1 rpg 4.5 apg
The 6’2 guard had a breakout senior season, averaging over 17 ppg and 7.0 apg to win Big 12 Player of the Year. He had to impress scouts with his 38 mpg and clutch shot-making in propelling the Jayhawks yet another regular season and conference tournament title.
He’s not the greatest athlete and actually shot better from three-point range than from the field overall. But his decision-making is excellent and should have a steady backup role at the very least.
9. Donte DiVincenzo – Villanova Wildcats
College stats: 10.2 ppg 4.0 rpg 2.4 apg
The redshirt sophomore was planning to return to college, but his career-high 31 points combined with being arguably the best sixth-man in the game propelled him to first-round status.
DiVincenzo has all the tools to be a successful NBA point guard. At 6’5 and 200-pounds, the Delaware product is equipped with the size and athleticism to compete with the heavyweights in the NBA. He can shoot it (40% from deep), and the national championship game showed that he can drive in the paint without much issue.
I do have concerns about whether the “bump” he’s received is more of recency bias from the Final Four, or if DiVencenzo was a first-round caliber player all along. It’ll be interesting to see where he ends up.
8. Landry Shamet – Wichita State Shockers
College stats: 12.9 ppg 3.0 rpg 4.1 apg
On a team with six seniors and a junior, it was this redshirt sophomore who was the leader, helping the program in their first year in the American Athletic Conference. Shamet’s numbers were off the charts in terms of efficiency, with shooting splits of 49-44-83. He protected the ball as well, with a 2.5-1 turnover ratio.
One issue with Shamet might be that he’s not athletic enough to handle the best ball handlers in the world. I’m not too worried about that, as his above-average defense combined with his High-IQ giving him a better chance of succeeding in today’s NBA.
7. Lonnie Walker – Miami Hurricanes
College stats: 11.5 ppg 2.6 rpg 1.9 apg
The former five-star recruit had a very slow start to his only year in college but rebounded in a way to impress the scouts enough to where he could be taken potentially in the lottery. His shooting numbers are good, while his 6’4 height bodes well.
I wasn’t completely thrilled with his play at times, but I do recognize that his low assists numbers were due to a teammate actually being a better passer. But for an NBA team to be good with Walker as a starting guard, his ability to facilitate has to be better. Otherwise, he’ll be a two-guard who just brings up the ball.
6. Jevon Carter – West Virginia Mountaineers
College stats: 12.2 ppg 3.7 rpg 3.9 apg
The three-time Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year was the face of “Press Virginia” forcing multiple turnovers from the opposing team. His offense improved each season, going up to over 17 ppg this past season.
Carter likely won’t be much of a great scorer at the next level, but his defense absolutely will translate. At the very least, he can become the next Patrick Beverly of the Los Angeles Clippers, a hard-nosed defender who can make the life of even the best points rough. That’s good enough for a nice career in the NBA.
5. Jalen Brunson – Villanova Wildcats
College stats: 14.4 ppg 2.5 rpg 3.7 apg
Voted as the best player in college basketball last season, Brunson left because he couldn’t elevate his stock any higher. The two-time national champion had shooting splits of 52-41-80 while committing less than two turnovers a game.
As far as his pro prospects, it seems like people are split. He might not have the athleticism to keep up with the elite point guards in the NBA, but there’s also trust that he’ll figure it out in order to stay on the court. Brunson might not be a surefire starter at the next level, but he can certainly be a quality option off the bench, as well as a great locker room presence.
4. Trae Young – Oklahoma Sooners
College stats: 27.4 ppg 3.9 rpg 8.7 apg
The only player in D-1 history to lead the country in both points and assists, Young might be the most polarizing player in the NBA Draft. He basically carried the Sooners to the NCAA Tournament in a very tough Big 12, at receiving very little assistance from his teammates.
Young won’t be getting 20 shots a night like he did in college, so shot selection will be important. Opposing point guards will be in his face constantly, so his decision-making will be key to his development.
3. Aaron Holiday – UCLA Bruins
College stats: 14.3 ppg 3.2 rpg 4.7 apg
I’m extremely high on Holiday, who has few weaknesses to note in his game. He’s a great shooter, passer, and defender who has the tools to compete in the NBA as a starter. An area where Holiday really grew was drawing fouls, doubling his number of made free throws this past season.
It might be a lazy comparison, but Aaron looks very similar to his brother Jrue with the New Orleans Pelicans. He just had possibly his best season, especially in the playoffs. The youngest Holiday brother is slated to get picked in the mid-to-late first round but will have a solid NBA career.
2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – Kentucky Wildcats
College stats: 14.4 ppg 4.1 rpg 5.1 apg
As soon as he was inserted into the starting lineup, Kentucky Basketball became much more of a threat. Gilgeous-Alexander was an elite passer, with near triple-double efforts towards the end of the season. He used his elite speed combined with his 6’6 height to drive into the lane to get up quality shots.
He might not be ready to go this season in terms of having the biggest impact, but Gilgeous-Alexander could develop into a star in a few more years. If he can get drafted on a team with great shooters on the wings, the Wildcat point guard will be able to maximize his driving talents and score more than expected.
1. Collin Sexton – Alabama Crimson Tide
College stats: 19.2 ppg 3.8 rpg 3.6 apg
Many point guards in today’s NBA have become “score first”, with offense capabilities now a requirement more than a luxury. Even more than Young, Sexton is the best offensive point guard in the draft, with the highest upside of any player.
Next: Updated 2018 NBA Mock Draft
There certainly were times that his streakiness showed, with Alabama losing more games than they were supposed to. But I just can’t get out of my mind what Sexton did against Minnesota when it was just 3-5 for the last part of the game. His explosiveness translates very well, making him an easy candidate for Rookie of the Year. I think he’ll average at least 15 ppg on whichever team that drafts him.