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Portland Trail Blazers: Ranking the top five point guards in the NBA

By Stevie Cozens

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - OCTOBER 16: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers looks on during a preseason game against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena on October 16, 2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - OCTOBER 16: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers looks on during a preseason game against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena on October 16, 2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /
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Number four – Russell Westbrook, Houston Rockets

One of the most polarising players in the league, Houston Rockets point guard Russell Westbrook is still one of the best point guards in the league.

Though he hasn’t had the playoff successes he had with Kevin Durant when they played together on the Oklahoma City Thunder, it looks like he has found a home on the Rockets where his strengths are maximised.

Spacing and an offensive system that suited him was always imperative for Russ to succeed. As a below average shooter he thrives in transition and when the floor is opened up with shooters like James Harden, Robert Covington and PJ Tucker alongside.

Russ’ rebounding and passing ability means he has some of the best year in year out production at the point guard position. Though he won’t be efficient in the playoffs, he will likely get you 40 plus wins in the regular season every year.

He has remarkably averaged a 20-point triple double the last three completed NBA seasons. Adding two scoring titles and two assist titles shows you how dominant he has been in the regular season over the last five years.

This season as a number two option behind Harden, he has blossomed on offense and seems to be getting back to his best as he attacks the rim rather than pulling up for jumpers.

There’s no question that Russ is still an All-NBA quality player, but his playoff failings the last three years mean he has a thing or two to prove come the 2020 post-season.