Walker in particular could be a difference maker for a Knicks offense that sputtered in the playoffs. Hes shooting a career-low from mid-range, and his corner-3 shooting efficiency has plummeted 17 percentage points. NAME. Download App. Morant was also in headlines recently when associates of his reportedly made Indiana Pacers staffers feel like they were in grave danger after a game in a truly bizarre incident. To qualify a player must play 70% of his team's games He pushes the pace and finds open teammates. However, the NBA . 9 ranked shooting guard, but don't be surprised if new head coach Ime Udoka deploys Smart as the starting point guard to begin the season. Naturally, you would expect dropoff from a team missing three starters for so long. Is the Hayes-Cunningham combination something that can work long-term. We may earn a commission from links on this page. Their point differential is best in the league by three points. The point differential is just five points on that list. The 26-year-old proved himself as a secondary playmaker in addition to his high-level scoring ability and if all goes to plan, we'll finally see that translate to wins in 2021-22. The Utah Jazz guard averaged a career-best 26.4 ppg in 2020-21, while also posting his best single-season numbers in three-point shooting efficiency (38.6%) and assists (5.2 apg). NBA Trade Machine; Draft; G League; World of Woj; Awards; NBA History . But the nine-time All-Star surged out in the second half of the season to answer critics, recovering his best form to lead the league in assists. Jordan Poole landed at the No. . Rozier averaged 20.4 points, 4.4 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game while shooting a career-best 45.0 percent from the field. When things arent going his way, Brooks slings more mud on the basketball court than anyone else in the league to gain an upper hand. The reigning NBA Finals Most Valuable Player edged out Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic for the top spot for Western Conference guards. Chris Paul isnt ready to hand the West over without a fight. The 2021-22 campaign could be a turning point in Fox's development. (PER - PRL)] / 67). Unfortunately, thats not what were doing here. Paul's impact goes beyond the numbers, though. Take a look back at all the happenings from every NBA All-Star in league history. 7. The 23-year-old MVP candidate put on a show on Tuesday in becoming just the sixth player to post five or more 40-point triple-doubles in Dallas win against Golden State, joining the likes of Oscar Robertson (22), James Harden (16), Russell Westbrook (13), Wilt Chamberlain (7) and LeBron James. With that said, let's try our hand at ranking every starting shooting guard in the NBA. They received guard Spencer Dinwiddie, frontcourt player Dorian Finney-Smith, a future first-round draft pick and two second-round picks in return for Irving. The division consists of five teams: the Denver Nuggets, the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Portland Trail Blazers and the Utah Jazz.The Northwest Division is by far the most geographically expansive of the six divisions; the Nuggets, Trail . The 2023 NBA All-Star Game will be held Sunday, February 19, in Salt Lake City. The veteran guard was spectacular in his first season with the Bucks as they captured their first title in 50 years. Jason Kidd, Magic Johnson and Oscar Robertson are notable names on a long list of guards with stellar NBA careers. Second-year players like Anthony Edwards and Tyrese Haliburton are looking to further cement their place in the league following a strong rookie year, but so are first-year future stars like Cade Cunningham and Jalen Green. Speaking of"Big Ballers," how will Lonzo Ball adjust to playing for his third team in five seasons? Jason Kidd, Magic Johnson and Oscar Robertson are notable names on a long list of guards with stellar NBA careers. The Kings are clinging to the No. He is also a reliable three-point threat, shooting 40.2% from downtown last season and 39.8% over his eight-year NBA career. Don't sleep on him. Beal is one of the most prolific scorers in the NBA, coming up just shy of his first-career scoring title again last season. McCollum is third. Dort has become one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA but still has a ways to go in fine-tuning his offensive skills. The point guard position has been run by the likes of Stephen Curry, Damian Lillard, Chris Paul, Russell Westbrook and others over the last decade. Ja Morant scores 38 points in the win over the Nets. Golden State is 11-11, just within striking distance of eighth place. FIFA World Cup - Best Goals from Every Angle, Draw for the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023, FOX SPORTS, SPEED, SPEED.COM & 2023 Fox Media LLC and Fox Sports Interactive Media, LLC. Back in 1996, when he made his debut in the NBA, Kobe was sporting a bald look. The Warriors are 19-11-1 ATS at home, not to mention 24-7 straight up. Trent had an inconsistent role because of injuries and, to be frank, tanking, after being traded to Toronto and it will be interesting to see what he's capable of as a probable full-time starter. When Phoenix eventually advanced to the NBA Finals, Booker stated his case for Finals MVP after scoring 40-plus points in Games 4 and 5, but coming up short of the title crushed those hopes. Frank Isola and Brian Scalabrine breakdown Devin Booker and his quietly stellar season so far. Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves. Its been two long years since NBA fans around the world saw Klay Thompson in action. For now, he comes in at 10th on this list, but expect to see Edwards continue to climb his way up the ranks every year. But Gilgeous-Alexander is not content. Given the nickname for his ability to deliver in clutch moments, Lillard has no doubt been one of the best point guards not only in the Western Conference but in the whole of the NBA. In just his fifth season, Doncic is now tied with Dirk Nowitzki for the second-most 40-point outings in Mavs history (20), trailing only Mark Aguirre (22). Only Steph Curry and Luka Doncic have more votes than the Grizzlies point guard. The Western Conference has ruled over the Eastern Conference for the better part of the last three decades. James Harden, Brooklyn Nets With or without Kyrie Irving in the fold, Harden figured to have the ball in his hands more than anyone in Brooklyn. He delivered theindisputableDunk of the Yearand also began to step up as "the guy" for his team late in games. Lillard is reportedly targeting a return for Sundays home matchup against Indiana (9 ET, NBA TV). Gilgeous-Alexander went on to say, Im not playing this game just to be a good basketball player. He's also moving the ball around more, averaging eight assists per game this season versus 6.7 in 2021-2022. Through the first wave of voting, Curry was voted. 28. Devin Booker is the first player in Finals history to lose back-to-back games despite scoring 40+ points in both games. He was still a 3-point marksman and lockdown defender, and Golden State will hope he makes a full return to a similar player. Gettysburg, PA (17325) Today. Now entering his 13th season and free of carrying the team while playing next to Kevin Durant, Harden could deliver his finest season yet which is so small feat given we're talking about a formerMVP and three-time scoring champ. LaMelo Ball's terrific rookie campaign was cut short because of a wrist injury. Going 37-137 deserves something more recognition than a pink slip at the end of the season. But the next generation is coming fast. Houston Rockets (13-48, Last week 29th) Houston is a disaster. But other than a historic night against the Pelicans, Curry just hasnt been as electric. The 23-year-old has a crafty floater and finishing package, a quick trigger from the outside and elite court vision. Point guard. The former NBA MVP averaged a triple-double (again) in his lone season with the Wizards, and he was a big reason why Washington reached the playoffs after a brutal start to the season. *Points system: Six points for first place, five for second, four for third, three for fourth, two for fifth, one for sixth. Mitchell has great athleticism, but he isnt that great a shooter from the floor. Jordan Greer is an NBA content producer for The Sporting News. Your Golden State Warriors kept the momentum going strong and are one step closer to the title after becoming the 2022 Western Conference Champions! Hyland might be the first player in years who couldnt fit in with Jokic since Jusuf Nurkic. The Thunder are 15-19 in Western Conference games. Keep in mind that the starting groups for both conferences feature two guards and three frontcourt players, while the reserves are comprised of two guards, three frontcourt players and two wildcard selections. When Bryant was on the floor, opposing teams averaged 126.7 points per 100 possessions. 6. They were the league's best unit in November (106.4 points allowed per 100 possessions), but went 8-6 during that stretch while navigating significant foot injuries to standout guards James Harden and Tyrese Maxey (whose offensive abilities far outweigh their defense). Key Subtractions: Carlik Jones, Moses Wright, Justin Jackson Much of the team that earned the Legends their first-ever playoff berth last season has departed, with none more important than point. The NBA All-Star Game is an honor bestowed upon the most distinguished hoopers every season. The three-time NBA champion and the lads can hope for a different end to their season. The Western Conference has an unlimited amount of great players with the back-to-back MVP of the league in the west as well as LeBron James, and the 2022 NBA Finals MVP Steph Curry. Along with Golden States backcourt being represented, Andrew Wiggins, Draymond Green and Kevon Looney landed in the top 10 for the Western Conference frontcourt voting. A post shared by NBA on ESPN (@nbaonespn). He has scored less than 20 points in just six of 32 games he's played this season, and so far has recorded three triple-doubles and eight double-doubles, including setting a career-high 17 assists in a game against Toronto on Dec. 29. Here are some of the details from the report: So apparently Ja Morant's mother called him after having an argument with a Finish Line employee and he came to the mall 9 deep and told the mall security guard "Let me find out what time he gets off", Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod (@big_business_) March 1, 2023. Not only was that the second-longest streak of its kind in NBA history, its twice as long as any other guard in the history of the league. . 4 Phoenix Suns, a 3 -game lead over the No. At 6'8, Jayson is on the list of the tallest point guards in the NBA. The Nuggets' starting point guard has quieted all the critics who said that he was too small, forcing him to drop to No. Grizzlies guard Ja Morant, Oklahoma Citys Shain Gilgeous-Alexander and Klay Thompson rounded out the top-five in the Western Conference backcourt. Take a closer look at how Luka Doncic has been dominating this season. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) - 2NDXFKN from Alamy's library of millions of high resolution stock photos, illustrations and vectors. Smart missed out on an All-Defensive Team selection in 2020-21 for the first time in three years, likely due to only 48 games played because of injuries or coronavirushealth and safety protocols. He joined Michael Jordan and Oscar Robertson as the only players in league history to post those stats. Donovan Mitchell also made his second NBA All-Star appearance as Utah clinched the top spot in the West only to fall to the Los Angeles Clippers in six games in the Western Conference Semis. The 32-years old has had a wonderful career in the league, being one of a select few players to have achieved a triple-double in consecutive seasons. Do you agree? L.A. moved him to the bench unit hoping hed have better luck against subs, but hell likely be bought out soon by Utah and head back to L.A., this time with the Clippers where hell replace the next point guard on our list. The NBA released its first All-Star Game fan vote Thursday. Updated: 2:18 PM CST January 5, 2023 MEMPHIS, Tenn. Grizzlies superstar point guard Ja Morant ranks third among all Western Conference guards in the NBA's first All-Star Game fan vote,. Is he the shooting guard? Visit ESPN to view 2022-23 NBA player stats. But, the Western Conference point guards are ridiculous. In the Eastern Conference, former Warrior Kevin Durant is sitting in the No. You wont find the Udonis Haslems across the NBA on this list though because Id like to visit South Beach again one day and no Thanasis Antetokounmpo because we arent here to mock reserves who could cook me al dente in any gym. 18 in the 2009 NBA draft. Simply put, Curry is one of the most impressive offensive forces in the history of the game. Morant was just the second Memphis Grizzlies player named an All-Star starter when he got the nod for the 2022 NBA All-Star Game. Booker didn't slow down from there, averaging 25.3 points per game to sweep the Denver Nuggets and advance to the Conference Finals. If they struggle to start the season, though, will Lillard be forced to re-evaluate his future with the only NBA franchise he has ever known? (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) - 2NE17RW from Alamy's library of millions of high resolution stock photos, illustrations and vectors. Here's a quick look at eight guards from the Western Conference that should figure prominently in the mix for the. Without Curry, the Warriors wouldnt even be close. Unlike other positions in basketball, point guards are usually specialists on the court, saddled with playmaking affairs on the court. Unfortunately, he defended the paint like a scarecrow and repeated processing errors in the pick and roll becoming a target of offenses. Please check your email for a confirmation. Kyle Irving is an NBA content producer for The Sporting News. TNTs Charles Barkley believes Gilgeous-Alexander should be an All-Star starter and hes probably correct in his assessment. Darren Collison, Sacramento Kings 14. The Baby-Faced Assassin bagged his second NBA scoring champion award, despite starting the season badly. : https://t.co/30IBtt5FVg pic.twitter.com/oAUuXOWV7a, #NBAAllStar (@NBAAllStar) January 5, 2023. This is all definitely a concern for Ja Morant going forward. Lawson is a . But Westbrook has matched or eclipsed his career highs in scoring, rebounding, assists, and three point percentage so far. RPG. He averaged 25.6 ppg in the 2021 regular season, a figure that improved to 28.2 ppg in the NBA Finals. Miles takes the court to face the Denver Nuggets in the first quarter of Game 2 of the teams' NBA Western Conference first-round playoff series in Denver on Monday, April 19, 2010. Can he pick up right where he left off, or will he experience a slight sophomore slump? Former Western Athletic Conference Players Who Played In The NBA * Including anyone currently in the NBA; NBA career stats since the 1946-1947 season. Does it depend on who slides into Irving's spot in the starting lineup? Hes a serial offender perpetually walking the line between irritant and combatant. Download this stock image: Utah Jazz guard C.J. It has been a fantastic year for Devin Booker. The player with the highest 2K Rating among current players whose height is 6'3 on NBA 2K23 is Ja Morant. With Klay Thompson expected to make his return some time around Christmas, where does the three-time NBA champion rank? The six-time All-Star missed his fifth consecutive game (strained right calf) on Wednesday, but the 32-year-old appeared to be back in All-Star form through his first 11 games. Yes, but skills come first, as does your mentality. Download this stock image: Los Angeles Clippers guard Eric Gordon, center, looks to pass the ball as Denver Nuggets guards Chauncey Billups, left, and Arron Afflalo defend in the first quarter of an NBA basketball game in Denver on Saturday, April 3, 2010. 11-11, just within striking distance of eighth place the win over the Eastern Conference, former Warrior Kevin is..., Im not playing this game just to be a good basketball player to their season, as does mentality... 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