NFL
Point Guards have been the cornerstone of the NBA as far back as anyone can remember. From flashy passes to setting up pick and rolls, the PG’s job has been to be a leader for his respective team. Today’s generation has produced some of the best scoring PG’s such as Russell Westbrook, Chris Paul, and Stephen Curry. As teams look to improve their roster this offseason, adding a consistent playmaker and leader will be a top concern for contending teams and those looking to be mentioned in that same contending bracket.
The 2021 class of point guards ranges from those who can score, defend, and facilitator to those who may be better served coming off the bench. Here are the top 5 free agent PGs heading into the 2021 NBA Offseason.
Chris Paul (Phoenix Suns)
Chris Paul will be a hot commodity on the free-agent market. Well, that all depends on if he decides to stay with the Phoenix Suns. Paul is still at the top of his game despite being 36- years old and playing against younger competition. On the year, Paul is averaging 16.0 points and 8.8 assists while shooting 48 percent from the floor while logging close to 32 minutes per.
At this stage in his career, Paul will only look to sign with a team that has a shot to win the title. The Los Angeles Lakers, Milwaukee Bucks, and the Philadelphia 76ers will be suitable places for him to go if he decides to leave Phoenix.
Spencer Dinwiddie (Brooklyn Nets)
What will the Brooklyn Nets do here? With Kyrie Irving and James Harden in the backcourt and the steady play of Landry Shamet, will Dinwiddie even want to come back? At one point last season, Dinwiddie was being mentioned as a possible All-Star. But his injury has left him on the outside looking in as the Nets have continued to win and built a Super Team along the way.
Dinwiddie is a scorer and playmaker when on the floor and has proven he can play both guard positions. Last season, Dinwiddie averaged 20.6 points per game and 6.8 assists while playing close to 32 minutes per game.
Derrick Rose (New York Knicks)
The New York Knicks are rolling in the Eastern Conference and Derrick Rose is a huge reason for that. The one-time MVP has accepted his role as a role player and for that, his stock has risen. On the year, Rose is averaging 13.6 points and 4.0 assists. The Knicks may want to bring him back with a sizable contract but other teams will be making a play for him.
Rose, while thriving as a backup, still has enough in him to give a team 25+ minutes as a starter. He may not be the player he once was, but Rose can bring a winning mentality to any locker room.
Kyle Lowry (Toronto Raptors)
Many believed that the Toronto Raptors would move Kyle Lowry at the trade deadline but they decided to keep their starting PG. But what will happen this offseason? The Raptors are sinking in the standings and Toronto may not want to pay Lowry the type of money he feels he deserves.
On the year, Lowry is averaging 16.7 points and 7.2 assists while shooting 42 percent from the floor. He can still produce and if paired with the right supporting cast, a Lowry addition could lead someone to a championship.
Mike Conley (Utah Jazz)
The Utah Jazz have a huge decision to make. They’re currently sporting the best record in the NBA and Mike Conley has been a catalyst for that. To make the Jazz sweat even harder, Conley earned his first All-Star bid this season. To retain his services, the Jazz will need to open up their checkbooks.
On the year, Conley is averaging 16.3 points and 6.0 assists while shooting 44 percent from the field. Conley can still get to the rim with ease and has improved on his perimeter game. His defense is underrated which will make him a hot commodity this offseason.
