Write On Sports LLC - "NBA off-season evaluations part 1: The starting point guards" by Jake Lloyd

NBA off-season evaluations part 1: The starting point guards

2007-06-25 14:35:31 | By: Jake Lloyd

So the end of the NBA playoffs wasn't as exciting as you hoped for. So the boring Spurs had to win the stupid thing again. Well, don't worry, I've got your relief.

It's called my off-season evaluations. Over the past several days I've been holed up at the house of Cosey, the man with unbelievable basketball knowledge. Together, we've spent many afternoons and nights evaluating the starters at each position in the NBA as well as the potential picks in Thursday's NBA draft.

Here's the first installment of our off-season evaluations.

THE STARTING POINT GUARDS FROM 1-30

1. Steve Nash, Phoenix: Simply the best. Can score. Can definitely pass. Defense and the lack of a Finals appearance are his only weaknesses.

2. Gilbert Arenas, Washington: It's too bad we didn't get to see him in the playoffs. The best scoring point guard out there. And he makes the big shots.

3. Chauncey Billups, Detroit:: Despite abysmal playoffs, he's right up there with Arenas when it comes to hitting big shots. Plus, he's extremely strong.

4. Tony Parker, San Antonio: MVP performance in Finals boosted his ranking. Not the best passer, but ability to get to the basket is amazing and has improved outside jumper.

5. Jason Kidd, New Jersey: Proved he's not washed up this season and in the playoffs. Simply can do it all. Inconsistent outside shot is his only weakness.

6. Deron Williams, Utah: He'll crack the top five soon enough. Possibly the next Stockton in Utah. Needs to become more consistent with jump shot.

7. Baron Davis, Golden State: His stock shot up in the playoffs. Can take anyone off the dribble. Still settles for too many 3s.

8. Chris Paul, New Orleans: Another guy who will move up this list. Unlimited potential, but needs to get to the playoffs to show it off.

9. Devin Harris, Dallas: Yet another young PG with great ability. Can get to the basket at will. Needs to become more of a leader at the position.

10. Mike Bibby, Sacramento: No longer in his prime, but can still take over a game with his outside jumper.

11. Stephon Marbury, New York: We know about his talents, but is he a team player? Can he lead the Knicks to the playoffs?

12. Andre Miller, Philadelphia: Was stuck on a bad team for most of the season, but that shouldn't take away from what he can do -- especially his passing ability.

13. Kirk Hinrich, Chicago: Feisty gym rat who can do a little bit of everything for the Bulls. Will only get better.

14. Sam Cassell, LA Clippers: Aging, but still an invaluable asset on the court in late-game situations.

15. T.J. Ford, Toronto: If he can stay healthy, he can definitely crack this list's top 10 next year. Needs to develop better jumper.

16. Jameer Nelson, Orlando: One of the league's most underrated players. Runs the point pretty well except for occasional ill-advised shots.

17. Rafer Alston, Houston: When he's hitting 3s, Rockets are tough to beat. Of course sometimes he's flat out broke.

18. Jason Williams, Miami: Stays in top 20 because he showed a year ago that he could help win a championship. Now he needs to regain his hunger and form.

19. Luke Ridnour, Seattle: After a garbage year, now has one job: Get the ball to Durant/Oden!

20. Steve Blake, Denver: Has two jobs: Get the ball to Anthony/Iverson.

21. Larry Hughes, Cleveland: He's not a natural point guard. He'd play much better if he was at shooting guard.

22. Tyronn Lue, Atlanta: Doesn't get much attention in Atlanta, but he's a tough little PG.

23. Jarrett Jack, Portland: Will be interesting to see how he develops alongside young studs Brandon Roy and Oden/Durant.

24. Randy Foye, Minnesota: A lot of potential, but who will he get help from in Minnesota if KG leaves?

25. Chucky Atkins, Memphis: Has flashes of good play but flashes of ugliness as well.

26. Jamaal Tinsley, Indiana: Easily the most disappointing PG in the league.

27. Maurice Williams, Milwaukee: Not playing at his natural position. Earl Boykins might claim the starting role next year.

28. Brevin Knight, Charlotte: Raymond Felton should be the starting PG for the Bobcats in no time.

29. Smush Parker, LA Lakers: Obviously has confidence issues, especially playing alongside the demanding Kobe Bryant.

30. Rajon Rondo, Boston: He's playing for the Celtics...