The point guard learning curve
Posted: Tue Apr 28, 2009 9:47 pm
by DelaneyRudd
Looking at players like Steve Nash and Chauncey Billups and how their careers blossomed after several years, does this bode well or poorly for Deron, or even CP? Do the guys who are great PGs from the get go reach the same heights as the guys who peak later when they are wiser? Even Stock was a backup for a few years.
Re: The point guard learning curve
Posted: Tue Apr 28, 2009 9:58 pm
by carrottop12
It's hard to say.
Stockton had quite a few years before he was staring in the league, and he had an all-star PG in front of him to learn from.
That is why it is pretty amazing what Paul and Deron are doing. I can't remember the last time a PG came out and was able to sustain such a high level of play in their first 4 years in the league, much less 2 in the same draft.
I've recently started thinking that PG's are a tad overrated in any system. Over history PG's are rarely the best player on championship teams. Especially PG's that are 6'3 and under.
The NBA is an inside out game, not outside in. Good perimeter guys are a nice addition, but if you don't have a guy who score in the paint at a high rate chances are you won't be very good.
Most people say Paul is the 4-5 best player in the league, and his crappy ass just got blown out by 58 at home in the playoffs.
As for the question, I don't see any PG's that are back ups right now that have a chance to be real stars at the PG position. Maybe Ramon Sessions could turn out to be quite a bit better, maybe Jameer Nelson will get better, maybe Mike Conley but I don't think it will happen.
Both Paul and Deron will get better, and both will be juggernauts in a few years. It's crazy to think that they are only 24, when they are in their prime at around 28-31 they should be amazing and I expect them to be.