Category archive: Butler Bulldogs
As a former coach, I am pragmatic enough to know that you never have perfect players. The art of coaching is to put your imperfect players in positions of strength and keep them away from their weaknesses. This is particularly true with point guards who, to me, are the most important players on the court.
It's rare that a point guard has everything an NBA coach is looking for. In a perfect world, you want your floor leader to start with the NBA size of Deron Williams, the quickness of Chris Paul or athleticism of Russell Westbrook. In reality, they come in all sizes and levels of athleticism.
Tactically, a quality point guard should look up the floor in transition, attack the paint and be a good decision-maker when he gets there, and create indecision on the part of defenders in the screen-and-roll game. On top of that, keeping a defense honest with the ability to make shots, either on the perimeter or in the lane, is extremely helpful as well. Enough athleticism to defend the position is also a must.
Here are six point guards in the NBA draft whom I have watched in person and followed since they were in high school and have broken down on Synergy video. None, in my opinion, rises to the level of being an elite NBA player anytime soon. I realize some, as Bill Parcells used to say, have been anointed already, but I will stick with what my eyes tell me. As with the rest of this draft, I believe this an average group, at best.
For Fran's full breakdown of the top point guards in this year's draft, and an explanation of why Shelvin Mack is not getting the credit he deserves, become an ESPN Insider today.
