You know these players. They’ve been referred to by different descriptors ranging from the positive (scoring guard), the euphemistic (shooting guard in a point guard’s body), and the bluntly negative (ball-hog; shoot first, pass later).
Upon their entry into the NBA, they were heralded by coaches, GM’s, and scouts as the new breed of point guards – talented in distributing the ball and making plays, and capable of taking over the game with their unique offensive repertoire. However, as seasons passed, it seems like these “new breed” of point men have focused more on the latter, preferring to excel more through scoring rather than making plays for teammates. Thus, critics have labeled them as selfish players who can’t run a team the right way or make their teammates better.
My opinion? Allen Iverson’s success in shifting from playing point guard when he was a rookie to shooting guard under Larry Brown has influenced other offensive-minded guards to try to follow this path. But, Iverson is a unique player who will arguably go down as the best little man in NBA history. He made the shift work for himself not so much with his talent, but more through his incredible heart and desire to do whatever it takes to win. None of these players are close to achieving what Iverson has in his career. In fact, since last season, Iverson has shifted back to playing point guard and has played even better, averaging career highs in both points and assists this year.
So until the following players prove otherwise, they will continue to be known as high-scoring guards who can score on just anybody, but can’t make their teammates better and lead their teams to success the way true point guards do.
- Stephon Marbury. Starbury entered the League the same year as AI but until now, still has not been able to shake off the perception that his teams just can’t win. Need proof? From Minnesota, to New Jersey, and Phoenix, his former teams improved so much more the season immediately following his departure from them. He openly clashed with Larry Brown last season as the Knicks suffered from the most embarassing season in its history. To make matters worse for himself, he even made the ridiculously absurd claim a year ago that he is “the best point guard in the NBA”. What a joke.
- Steve Francis. How many of you can still remember 1999 Draft night when Francis was drafted number two overall by the then-Vancouver Grizzlies? Breaking out his best prima donna pout, he demanded a trade and thus landed in Houston. Despite obvious offensive talents, his team just couldn't get into the playoffs until the arrival of Yao helped bring more balance to their offense. His inclination to dominate the ball, favor flashy plays, and pout when things don’t go his way got him traded to Orlando, where just a season and a half later, he wears out his welcome for exactly the same reasons.
- Baron Davis. In the same 1999 Draft, BD was selected by the then-Charlotte Hornets with the fourth overall pick. He immediately made an impact and endeared himself both to his team and to the fans with a combination of his relentless attacking game and his colorful persona. However, as he became the leader of his team, he developed a reputation as a malcontent. Worse, his game regressed – pounding the ball too often and relying on a shaky outside shot – and problems are again resurfacing in Golden State after last season’s rebirth.
- Jason Terry. What is it about the 1999 Draft? The Hawks chose Jason Terry in that same year and plugged him into the starting lineup as their point guard. Playing on a losing team, Terry soon became a potent scoring option for the team but questions arose about his ability to run the show and be more than just a scorer. Now in Dallas, still no one will mistake him for a true PG. But, credit has to at least go to him for accepting a secondary role in the Mavericks offense behind the Diggler.
- Gilbert Arenas. Drafted in the second round in 2001, Gilbert shattered all doubts about his game in his first two years in the League. He was signed by Washington to a long-term contract in the summer of 2003, hoping he can inject energy in the moribund franchise and create scoring opportunities for his Wizards teammates. With two All-Star appearances under his belt, he has done just that and more – creating more and more scoring opportunities for himself.
- 6th Man - Mike James. A pleasant surprise the past season for the Raptors, Mike James had to earn his way into the NBA after going undrafted. He was first given a chance by the Miami Heat to provide a scoring punch off the bench. Five trades later, James found himself in Toronto and played his way into a lucrative contract this summer with the T-Wolves. Why has he been traded so many times in his less than 5 whole seasons? He just isn’t a true point guard that you can rely upon for great playmaking, unless of course you count creating shots for himself as part of great playmaking.
