Indiana Pacers: Ranking all starting point guards in the east
By Joe Lyon
8 Fred VanVleet, TOR
Stat line: 19.0 PT, 3.9 RB, 6.0 AST, 33.5 FG3%
Our third of four NBA champions on the list, VanVleet has increased his value to the Toronto franchise every year since Lowry’s departure. He primarily is a scorer, and has increased in nearly every statistical category ever year for the last few years. Still has potential to grow into a bigger role.
7 Cade Cunningham, DET
Stat line: 19.9 PT, 6.2 RB, 6.0 AST, 27.9 FG3%
Former number one pick and rookie of the year, Cade Cunningham has been excellent in his time in Detroit. He has the size over many points guards on this list and thus is more valuable across positions. Unfortunately he could stand to work on his shooting from deep considerably before he will move up on this list.
6 Lamelo Ball, CHA
Stat line: 23.3 PT, 4.8 RB, 8.0 AST, 38.2 FG3%
Lamelo has been phenomenal so far in his time in the league. High scoring and assist numbers make him an offensive talent to behold. Some defensive concerns and injury issues hold him back on this list. With his potential, in a few years Ball could be at the top if the injury bug stays away.
5 Kyrie Irving, BKN
Stat line: 25.8 PT, 5.0 RB, 4.6 AST, 34.0 FG3%
They say that the best ability is availability, and unfortunately, Irving has not had that the last few years. If this list was on talent alone, Irving would be much closer to the top. Unfortunately, off the court issues have plagued his career of late and drop his ranking on the list.