Who Are the Best Point Guards in the NBA Right Now? Top Players Revealed
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As I sit down to analyze the current landscape of NBA point guards, I can't help but reflect on how dramatically the position has evolved. When I first started covering basketball professionally about fifteen years ago, the prototype for an elite point guard was completely different. We were looking at traditional floor generals who prioritized assists above all else. Today? The role has transformed into something far more dynamic and multifaceted. The modern point guard needs to be a scorer, playmaker, defensive disruptor, and often the primary offensive engine—all while managing the tremendous pressure that comes with leading a team. This reminds me of something fascinating I came across recently from Philippine basketball, where FEU team captain RJ Tolentino discussed handling pressure after an unexpected top seeding: "May added pressure din 'yun kasi very unusual na nag-number one kami. But that's outside noise. We'll do our best to get to the next level." That mentality perfectly captures what separates good point guards from great ones in today's NBA—the ability to embrace pressure rather than be crushed by it.
Right now, if you ask me to name the absolute best point guard in the league, I'd have to go with Stephen Curry, and honestly, it isn't particularly close in my book. At 35 years old, he's putting up numbers that defy conventional aging curves—averaging 28.4 points, 6.3 assists, and 4.8 rebounds while shooting 45% from the field and 42% from three-point range. What continues to amaze me isn't just the statistical output but how he's maintained his explosive scoring ability despite defenses designing entire schemes specifically to stop him. I've watched nearly every Warriors game this season, and the degree of difficulty on his shots would cripple most players. He regularly makes contested 30-footers look routine, and his off-ball movement creates gravitational pulls that distort entire defensive systems. The way he's adapted his game as he's aged shows incredible basketball intelligence—he's incorporated more mid-range elements and developed his playmaking to keep defenses guessing. When Golden State made their championship run last season, Curry's playoff performance—averaging 27.4 points, 5.9 assists, and 5.2 rebounds—solidified his status as not just a regular-season wonder but a clutch postseason performer.
Luka Dončić deserves his flowers as well, sitting firmly in that second spot for me. The 24-year-old Slovenian sensation is putting up video game numbers—32.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 8.1 assists per game—that we haven't seen since Oscar Robertson's prime. I've had the privilege of watching Luka develop since his Real Madrid days, and his basketball IQ is simply off the charts. He controls the game's tempo like a seasoned conductor, using hesitation dribbles and changes of pace that belie his age. What impresses me most about Luka is his incredible durability—he's averaging 36.2 minutes per game this season and has shown he can maintain elite production through heavy usage. My only reservation, and this is where personal bias might creep in, is his defensive limitations. While he's improved this season, particularly in help situations, he still struggles against quicker guards in isolation. Still, when you need someone to create a quality shot with the game on the line, there are very few players I'd take over Luka.
Then we have Damian Lillard, who at 33 continues to defy expectations with his otherworldly range and clutch gene. Dame's averaging 31.2 points and 7.1 assists this season while shooting 37% from deep on nearly 11 attempts per game. I've always been fascinated by players who perform better under pressure, and Dame Time is very real—he's made 18 game-winning shots in the final 10 seconds of regulation or overtime throughout his career, the most among active players. His ability to create separation and launch from 35 feet forces defenses to guard him the moment he crosses half-court, creating unprecedented spacing for his teammates. Watching him navigate screens and make reads in pick-and-roll situations is like watching a chess grandmaster at work. The trade to Milwaukee has presented challenges in terms of adjusting to playing alongside another dominant ball-handler in Giannis Antetokounmpo, but I've been impressed with how he's adapted his game without sacrificing his aggressive scoring mentality.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has exploded onto the scene this season, and frankly, he's been the most pleasant surprise for me. The 25-year-old Canadian is averaging 30.8 points, 5.7 assists, and 4.8 rebounds while leading the Thunder's remarkable turnaround. What stands out in my viewings is his incredible efficiency—he's shooting 51% from the field despite taking only 3.4 three-pointers per game. His game reminds me of a young James Harden with his methodical pace, elite footwork, and ability to draw fouls (he's attempting 10.3 free throws per game). Defensively, he's been a revelation, averaging 2.1 steals and using his 6'11" wingspan to disrupt passing lanes. I've noticed how he's improved his decision-making in crunch time, showing remarkable poise for someone leading a young team with playoff aspirations. His mid-range game is virtually unguardable—he shoots 52% on pull-up twos, which is just absurd in today's NBA.
Ja Morant brings an electrifying element to the point guard position that I find utterly captivating, despite his off-court issues. Before his suspension, he was averaging 27.1 points and 8.2 assists while shooting 47% from the field. His athleticism is simply generational—the vertical leap, body control, and fearlessness attacking the rim remind me of prime Derrick Rose. What doesn't show up in traditional stats is how his presence transforms Memphis's offensive identity. The Grizzlies average 118.3 points per 100 possessions with Morant on the court compared to 106.9 when he sits—that's the difference between an elite offense and a bottom-five unit. His return from suspension has provided a noticeable boost to Memphis's playoff positioning, though I do worry about his long-term durability given his high-flying style. The shooting remains a work in progress (he's at 32% from three this season), but his improvement in reading defenses and making simple passes rather than forcing difficult shots has been evident.
Trae Young continues to polarize analysts, but I've come to appreciate his unique offensive gifts. He's averaging 26.8 points and 10.8 assists while shooting 36% from three on nearly 9 attempts per game. The criticism about his defense is valid—he's consistently among the worst defensive point guards in the league by most advanced metrics. However, I believe his offensive impact outweighs those deficiencies. His partnership with Dejounte Murray has evolved beautifully this season, with Trae showing better decision-making in when to attack versus when to facilitate. What often gets overlooked is his incredible durability—he's missed only 12 games over the past four seasons despite his slight frame. His floater game is arguably the best in the league, and his passing vision, especially in transition, creates opportunities that simply don't exist for other players.
The pressure these elite point guards face reminds me again of that Tolentino quote about handling outside noise while focusing on incremental progress. In the NBA playoffs, where possessions slow down and defensive intensity ratchets up, the mental fortitude of these players becomes as important as their physical skills. Curry has proven himself repeatedly in these situations, while younger guards like Gilgeous-Alexander and Morant are still establishing their postseason credentials. The evolution of the position means we're judging these players by increasingly demanding standards—they must score efficiently, create for others, defend multiple positions, and maintain composure under immense scrutiny.
Looking at the landscape overall, I'm struck by how the point guard position has never been deeper or more talented. We have veterans like Curry and Lillard performing at elite levels well into their thirties, stars like Dončić and Morant in their prime, and emerging talents like Gilgeous-Alexander signaling a bright future. Each brings a distinct style and skill set that makes the current NBA particularly exciting to watch. While statistics provide valuable benchmarks, what truly separates the best from the rest is that intangible quality—the ability to elevate teammates, embrace pressure, and deliver when it matters most. As the playoffs approach, I'm particularly curious to see how the younger point guards handle the heightened stakes and whether the veterans can summon another legendary postseason performance.