Detroit Pistons: Ranking the Eastern Conference point guards

Detroit Pistons: Ranking the Eastern Conference point guards #4-1

#4 Ben Simmons- Philadelphia 76ers

I can already hear people complaining about this one. After Simmons stunk in the playoffs last season everyone has written him off, including his own team, who seem to be eager to trade him.

Simmons is one of the most polarizing players in the NBA, as he is not a good shooter but does literally everything else well. He is one of the top defenders in the NBA, one of the only players who can truly defend 1-5. He is a plus passer and playmaker who uses his size in the paint, as well as to grab rebounds.

He’s only 25-years-old, so I expect Simmons will improve some of his weaknesses and probably win a few DPOY awards along the way. You can scoff at this and I don’t blame you, but defense matters and Simmons is one of the best in the league whether he can shoot 3-point shots or not.

#3 Kyrie Irving- Brooklyn Nets

I was going to rank Irving lower just because he has missed so many games over the last two seasons, but when he’s healthy, he’s still one of the best scorers in the NBA.

There aren’t many players who can get you 27 points and six assists per night, and even though Irving has his flaws, it’s hard to argue with the numbers.

He is still one of a handful of guys who can be the best player on the floor on any given night and drop 50 on you.

#2 Jrue Holiday- Milwaukee Bucks

Because he’s played most of his career for small-market teams, Jrue Holiday has largely been underrated for his entire career.

He doesn’t have the huge numbers that some of these other guys have, but Holiday can literally do everything on a basketball court. He can be a scoring option when the Bucks need a hoop. He can be the table setter and run the offense. He rebounds his position well and shoots the 3-ball at a high rate.

Oh, and did I mention that he is a lockdown defender who will take on any defensive assignment? He is also just a really nice guy who deserves more recognition than he gets.

#1 Trae Young- Atlanta Hawks

Young can’t defend, which was the only thing that gave me pause about putting him this high, but this is a guy who can get you 30 points and 10 assists night after night and who just carried his team to the Eastern Conference Finals.

Young has shown that he is an assassin who is not afraid of the big moment and even though he is often the smallest guy on the floor, he doesn’t play like it.

He’s the closest thing to Stephen Curry that the East has even though he has never shot the ball particularly well from 3-point range. He is still just 22-years-old, which is crazy and that combination of present-day skill and future potential land him the number one spot.