Post by djmyte on May 2, 2005 22:34:54 GMT -5
Straight to the "Point"
This week, BBS's ScoutingCentral takes a look at the future of the point guard
position. We'll focus on 3 players we feel are the best of the bunch under the age of 25
that possess the potential to possibly become the best at their position.
Shaun Livingston - Chicago Bulls
Comparison: Young Anfernee Hardaway(the good Penny)
Livingston is arguably the best young point guard in the league today. At 6'7 he is
an opposing point guards worst nightmare. His size alone allows him to not only get
his shot off at anytime but to the see the entire floor undisturbed. Combine this
with nice ball handling skills and a great feel for the game and you get a player that is
destined to be amoung the league leaders in assists for years to come. At the tender
age of 20, he averaged 7.6 assists per game last season so destiny is already
becoming reality. While Livingston isn't asked to score a lot he is more than capable
of doing so when needed. Livingston's biggest offensive weapon at the moment is an
efficient 3 point shot which makes him a good fit in Chicago's offense. He gets tons of
open looks because of his teammates and more importantly, he knocks them down. Shaun
is also a solid defensive player possessing the size and length to contest shots
and annoy ball handlers all night long. He also gets his fair share of steals and
rebounds.
His combination of size, length and ball handling is rivaled by few. He is already
a complete player that contributes in every area of the game. His stats will suffer
playing on such a talented team but we don't think he or anyone in Chicago will mind.
Raymond Felton - Toronto Raptors
Comparison - Baron Davis
At the young age of 23, Felton is already one of the top point guards in the game today. He
possesses an extra gear that when combined with his excellent ball handling ability enables
him to get anywhere he wants to go on the court. Once turnover prone with questionable decision
making, Felton has worked on his weaknesses to the extent that they have now become his strengths,
averaging only 2.7 turnovers per game in 37 mins per night in his second season. His passing skills
were always very good and have become even better with his improved decision making. Seeing him
among the top assist men in the league could happen as early as this season. While not a tall point
guard, Felton has a strong build that allows him to finish in the lane and to play tough defense.
Like his comparison, he is a steaky shooter and struggles to shoot a high percentage (from the field
or the FT line) but is a capable scorer inside and out and is not afraid to take big shots.
In Toronto, Felton is relied upon to get the ball to his bigs so they can do their thing but
will be asked to become more of a scorer this season. If he can improve his shooting percentages
his ascent to the head of the class is right around the corner.
Chris Paul - Memphis Grizzlies
Comparison: Nate Archibald
Paul is a lightning quick guard that possesses fantastic ball handling and passing ability. This
quickness and ball handling combination is almost unparalleled and it allows him to penetrate with ease
against even the toughest of defenders. Once in the lane he has the vision and court awareness to
find his open teammates for easy looks on a consistant basis. His great point guard skills are also
matched by his tenacity and toughness. He's the type of player that will do anything to win and he
never backs down from a challenge. Although not the greatest of defenders, his energy and overall
athletic ability allow him to make things difficult for opposing guards and also result in him being
an accomplished thief. Paul is a born leader whose competitiveness is contagious. He also possesses a
very high basketball IQ which he uses to find and exploit weaknesses in opposing defenses. While his
scoring ability isn't as developed as the rest of his game he's more than capable of lighting his man
up when necessary.
At 6 feet, 165lbs, his size or lack there of is really his only weakness as it allows bigger guards
to shoot over him from the perimeter or back him down in the post. But with his intangibles, athleticism
and heart we'll take this negative in order to get the many positives he brings to the table.
He may never lead the league in scoring like "Tiny" once did but he will certainly challenge to
be the best pure passer in the game.
This week, BBS's ScoutingCentral takes a look at the future of the point guard
position. We'll focus on 3 players we feel are the best of the bunch under the age of 25
that possess the potential to possibly become the best at their position.
Shaun Livingston - Chicago Bulls
Comparison: Young Anfernee Hardaway(the good Penny)
Livingston is arguably the best young point guard in the league today. At 6'7 he is
an opposing point guards worst nightmare. His size alone allows him to not only get
his shot off at anytime but to the see the entire floor undisturbed. Combine this
with nice ball handling skills and a great feel for the game and you get a player that is
destined to be amoung the league leaders in assists for years to come. At the tender
age of 20, he averaged 7.6 assists per game last season so destiny is already
becoming reality. While Livingston isn't asked to score a lot he is more than capable
of doing so when needed. Livingston's biggest offensive weapon at the moment is an
efficient 3 point shot which makes him a good fit in Chicago's offense. He gets tons of
open looks because of his teammates and more importantly, he knocks them down. Shaun
is also a solid defensive player possessing the size and length to contest shots
and annoy ball handlers all night long. He also gets his fair share of steals and
rebounds.
His combination of size, length and ball handling is rivaled by few. He is already
a complete player that contributes in every area of the game. His stats will suffer
playing on such a talented team but we don't think he or anyone in Chicago will mind.
Raymond Felton - Toronto Raptors
Comparison - Baron Davis
At the young age of 23, Felton is already one of the top point guards in the game today. He
possesses an extra gear that when combined with his excellent ball handling ability enables
him to get anywhere he wants to go on the court. Once turnover prone with questionable decision
making, Felton has worked on his weaknesses to the extent that they have now become his strengths,
averaging only 2.7 turnovers per game in 37 mins per night in his second season. His passing skills
were always very good and have become even better with his improved decision making. Seeing him
among the top assist men in the league could happen as early as this season. While not a tall point
guard, Felton has a strong build that allows him to finish in the lane and to play tough defense.
Like his comparison, he is a steaky shooter and struggles to shoot a high percentage (from the field
or the FT line) but is a capable scorer inside and out and is not afraid to take big shots.
In Toronto, Felton is relied upon to get the ball to his bigs so they can do their thing but
will be asked to become more of a scorer this season. If he can improve his shooting percentages
his ascent to the head of the class is right around the corner.
Chris Paul - Memphis Grizzlies
Comparison: Nate Archibald
Paul is a lightning quick guard that possesses fantastic ball handling and passing ability. This
quickness and ball handling combination is almost unparalleled and it allows him to penetrate with ease
against even the toughest of defenders. Once in the lane he has the vision and court awareness to
find his open teammates for easy looks on a consistant basis. His great point guard skills are also
matched by his tenacity and toughness. He's the type of player that will do anything to win and he
never backs down from a challenge. Although not the greatest of defenders, his energy and overall
athletic ability allow him to make things difficult for opposing guards and also result in him being
an accomplished thief. Paul is a born leader whose competitiveness is contagious. He also possesses a
very high basketball IQ which he uses to find and exploit weaknesses in opposing defenses. While his
scoring ability isn't as developed as the rest of his game he's more than capable of lighting his man
up when necessary.
At 6 feet, 165lbs, his size or lack there of is really his only weakness as it allows bigger guards
to shoot over him from the perimeter or back him down in the post. But with his intangibles, athleticism
and heart we'll take this negative in order to get the many positives he brings to the table.
He may never lead the league in scoring like "Tiny" once did but he will certainly challenge to
be the best pure passer in the game.
Courtney
Minerva
Lesley
Sharona
Telisa