[R-Dot-13Participant]

I was asked to do a topic for each position in each conference, so here it is, position topic #2..
Who is the best PG in the West?

Here is how I see it..

1. Chris Paul
Ok, I know there are a ton of D-Will fans that think he is the best PG in the game. Honestly, I just dont see it. Chris averages more points, assists, steals and even rebounds over Deron, despite being 3 inches shorter and 30 pounds lighter. Now I know rebounding for a PG isnt too big of a deal, but lets look at his other stats. He can come out and score over 20 ppg every game, along with 10 apg. He is a triple double threat everytime on the floor, and he is also a very good defender. He averaged nearly 3 steals a game, thats pretty good, and also had that very long steals streak. Now don’t get me wrong, Deron Williams is a great PG, and I would take him on my team anyday, but I just dont see how he is better than CP3. There is no question in my mind that Chris Paul is the best PG in the NBA.

2. Deron Williams
Ok, D-Will is a great PG, but is just a bit below Paul IMO. But he is still above every other PG in the conference. It is a complete joke that Mo Williams was an all star are Deron wasnt last year, complete Joke. Lets look at stats, shall we?
Deron Williams: 19.4 ppg, 10.7 apg.
Mo Williams: 17.8 ppg, 4.1 apg.
Now, I know they are in different conferences, but seriously, thats a joke. Deron is a different PG than CP3, he is bigger and stronger, but not as quick as CP3. They are both great playmakers, and definetly great players, but all I can say D-Will does somewhat better is shoot the ball, but I dont even know If I would say that. Last year, these were the %.
Chris Paul: FG%: .503, 3PT%: .364, FT%: .868
Deron Willams: FG%: .471, 3PT%: .310, FT%: .849
So, looking at those stats, I give it to Chris. But I am not hating on D-Will, he is amazing, and a great player, but there is no question to me, he is the 2nd best PG in the West.

3. Tony Parker
Arguably the best scoring PG in the league, and a former finals MVP and Champion. 2nd among all PG in scoring last year at 22 ppg, and is a great leader on a championship contender. May be hte best at scoring in the paint in the NBA, and is a good passer at about 7 apg.There are just so many things he does well, and doesnt have any huge weaknesses. He is still only 27, so no signs of slowing down yet, so Im sure he will be wanting some more championships to add to his resume. So IMO there is no doubt at him being the 3rd best PG in the west. Not to mention he has a hot wife, thats always nice.

4. Chauncey Billups
Ok, now this is where it stars to get hard.. There are so many Pg left over that could be picked, and many of them would have a case for these last 2 spots. But #4 is Chauncey Billups. A great leader, player, playmaker and shooter. Yes, he is getting older and at 33 he will start to decrease, but last year, at 32 there was no stopping him. Him and Carmelo took the Nuggets to the conference finals, and expect that again this year. Great shooter, and scorer averaging over 17 ppg, along with 20 ppg in the playoffs. No he is 33, so he wont get better, and will likely start to slow down, but for now the 4th best is Chauncey Billups.

5. Russell Westbrook
Ok, it was so difficult to make this last one, it came down to Westbrook, Kidd, Ellis and Nash. I gave to Westbrook barely over Nash. But just hear me out, Kidd is old, and slowing down, and so is Nash is always going to be a great shooter and passer, but cant defend his position well anymore, and is just slowed down too much IMO. Now Westbrook averaged nearly the amount of points as Nash last year as a rookie. If Westbrook develops a better jumpshot, he will be so difficult to guard. And he is also already one of the best defenders in the league. He is another one of those players who could have a triple double any night. Playing with KD, his assists numbers will be very high, along with his points. This year I expect something like 18 ppg, 7 apg, 6 rpg. . I honestly think he will be in an all star uniform next year, whether you agree with that statement or not.

[QHaynes20]

Nice list. I perfer Williams over Paul tho.

[R-Dot-13Participant]

Yeah, i respect that, and im not trying to hate on Williams, I just dont see what he does so much better than Paul.

[trojans13Participant]

your list has no credibility with me just for the fact that you left Nash out of your top 5

[R-Dot-13Participant]

Nash is no longer a top 5 Pg, Im sorry, he is slowed down, Im willing to bet that Westbrook has better stats thins year, and the Thunder may even have a better record than the Suns.
If Westbrook played Nash 1 on 1, it wouldnt even be close, Westbrook would dominate.

[ItsVictorOladipoParticipant]

It’s not about who would win “one on one”, basketball is a team game and a point guard is supposed to run his team. Nash might be old and he certainly isn’t as athletic or quick as Westbrook but he runs the point more efficiently than Westbrook at this stage of their careers. He is a better passer, more efficient and consistant, has better court vision and is the superior shooter while Westbrook is the better defender and is more explosive.

Despite being old Nash still put up 15.7 ppg, 9.7 apg and shot 50% from the floor, 44% from three point range and 93% from the free throw line last year. He is still very effective.

[R-Dot-13Participant]

Im not saying he is better because he would beat him in One on One, it was just an example.
If the Thunder played the Suns, Nash wouldnt be able to guard him, and Im pretty sure Westbrook would be able to lockdown Nash.
Yes, he is still effective, but he will get start to get less and less effective. Westbrook is also effective already, and he will just keep getting more effective in the future.

[trojans13Participant]

“lockdown” Nash, come on, what is he 2-3 years removed from winning 2 NBA MVP’s give the guy a little respect. Westbrook will never sniff and MVP although i think he will be a very good player for years to come

[xbadgerhustlerParticipant]

Number One: Chauncey Billups

How many times has CP3 been to the conference finals? how many times has he been to the finals?

If we’re talking about fantasy basketball, CP3 is the headliner. If we’re talking about the guy who knows exactly what it takes to win basketball games, Chauncey is the answer. Yea, I know CP3 has played significantly less games than Chauncey… but how many PGs can you name that have been to as many conference finals as chauncey?

[R-Dot-13Participant]

Ok, I like Nash, Im am Canadian and cheer for Nash, I like the guy.
I know he won MVP’s in the past, but Im not talking about the past, Im talking about the present and future.
I would take Westbrook over Nash right now,

And no, Chauncey isnt the best PG in the West right now, not a chance.
CP3 has to be, I know Chauncey has been to all those conference finals and finals, but right now, not a chance he is better than Paul. Paul is going to get to some finals in his time, dont worry about that. Honestly i dont see how you can think Chauncey is #1.

[trojans13Participant]

are we picking a point guard for just this season or are we picking for the next five years. if for one season, give me nash and i’ll call it a day. if were going for the future then its westbrook in a nobrainer. them old legs of nash are dead yet. i might be wrong but i think steve was the only player in the league last year(maybe dirk also?) to shoot 50% from the field, 40% from 3, and 90% from the foul line plus 8-10 assists per game. that works just fine for me

[McWinningParticipant]

my sleeper is Aaron Brooks i think he could be bertter than Westbrook next year because he will be on a depleted team and put up huge numbers.

[xbadgerhustlerParticipant]

R-Dot-13,

Did you see the difference between the Nuggets from pre-Chauncey to now?! Who do you think is responsible for that….

And, did you see the Nuggets-Hornets series?

[R-Dot-13Participant]

What Im basically saying is if you were to make a team now, who would you pick.

Yes, I saw the series, Ok, The Nuggets were a better team last year, the Hornets were a broken, injury filled team last year.
I dont see how you think that Chauncey is a better player than Paul right now, I just dont

[R-Dot-13Participant]

I agree that Brooks is ready to breakout next year, and he may be among the top 5 in a couple seasons.

[blazer_fan_foreverParticipant]

You left Nash out of the top-5…Yet you put a guy who has yet to do anything in the league besides lose games and put up inflated stats over him?

Wow…

[xbadgerhustlerParticipant]

To me, Chauncey’s advantages over Paul:

Better defender: Chauncey doesn’t gamble as much as CP3, which is why he has less steals, although 1.2 is still respectable… He just keeps good positioning and makes people take low % shots. That, and he’s not a 6’0 midget. lol.

Better 3-pt shooter: Chauncey hit 2/5 (40%) 3pt/game last year. That’s astounding.

Better leader: I’ll admit that CP3 is also a good leader, but Chauncey’s leadership is really what turned his team around. He turned a bunch of selfish, but extremely talented guys from an 8 seed to the 2nd best team in the west, next to the champion lakers…

He’s also not a one-trick pony… CP3 can run the pick-n-roll to death, but when a team can stop that (see: denver last postseason) CP3 is sorta exposed. Chauncey can run the pick-n-roll, he can post a guy up, he can sit out on the perimeter and knock down a 3… he can drive and get to the line (~same FTA as CP3, but he hit a higher %) he’s a complete player.

CP3 does get a lot more dimes/gm… but to me that’s because Chauncey doesn’t control the ball the entire game. If he just held the ball every possession he’d be in a double digit assists too.

I think CP3 is amazing, but I just think Chauncey knows how to win…

[R-Dot-13Participant]

Ok, If i made this list last year, Nash would be have been on the list, definetly.
But not anymore, Westbrook will have ab etter season this year, im willing to bet on it .
I feel that Westbrook doesnt get much credit on this site.
I think he will either be the best, or second best player from this class with Rose.
Last year, they had simular stats
Westbrook: 15.3 ppg, 5.3 apg, 4.9 rpg, 1.3 spg
Rose: 16.8 ppg, 6.3 apg, 3.9 rpg, 0.8 spg
Westbrook also shot a better 3pt and FT% than Rose.
Westbrook actually averaged more points per 48 minutes than rose, and only .4 less assists and plays better defense.
But Rose gets all the credit with people think he will be the best PG in the East in 2 years, and Westbrook has nothing.
Last Season, statistically Nash was better, but this season Westbrook will completely breakout and have a better season than Nash, I bet that.

[R-Dot-13Participant]

Ok, If i made this list last year, Nash would be have been on the list, definetly.
But not anymore, Westbrook will have ab etter season this year, im willing to bet on it .
I feel that Westbrook doesnt get much credit on this site.
I think he will either be the best, or second best player from this class with Rose.
Last year, they had simular stats
Westbrook: 15.3 ppg, 5.3 apg, 4.9 rpg, 1.3 spg
Rose: 16.8 ppg, 6.3 apg, 3.9 rpg, 0.8 spg
Westbrook also shot a better 3pt and FT% than Rose.
Westbrook actually averaged more points per 48 minutes than rose, and only .4 less assists and plays better defense.
But Rose gets all the credit with people think he will be the best PG in the East in 2 years, and Westbrook has nothing.
Last Season, statistically Nash was better, but this season Westbrook will completely breakout and have a better season than Nash, I bet that.

[MallStax5Participant]

to me the most “complete” is billups

but for the best, i like Chauncey over parker.

[KevinDurantRocksParticipant]

Nash Over Kidd by far

[crazyknicksfanParticipant]

chris paul

[R-Dot-13Participant]

what about chris paul?

[RickyRubio9Participant]

I got to this late, but I like the list. The only thing that can be argued about is the 5 Spot where Nash still has something to say, Brooks, and Andre Miller. Now two of those are aging, but still, Westbrook is young. I like him though, he does a bit of everything and he’s just another Point Guard who needs to find his shot.

[RickyRubio9Participant]

I just reread everything and I have to say, the Nash is debatable, but I think he should still get the nod considering he did put up better numbers all around while his team also won. Westbrook will have his time, but Nash is still doing his thing and at his age, it’s impressive. Also there are players like Miller and Kidd who can do things better then Westbrook. D-Will > CP3. CP3 got murdered in that playoff series against Chauncey and the Nuggets and has been worse against D-Will head to head. I believe the Hornets also lost against the Spurs a year back. COUGH, Tony Parker. If you want to go by Rings, Tony Parker beats them all. I think Chauncey was put in a better position this past year because imagine him playing with an injury filled Hornets team, that’s what Paul dealt with yet he led them to the Playoffs. Give Paul a guy like ‘Melo, Jr Smith, Birdman, and Nene. He’ll do some special things too. Otherwise this is a good list. Keep them coming, the West is harder to do then the East.

[xbadgerhustlerParticipant]

Ricky-

IMO, Chauncey would have taken them to the playoffs as well… though he probably would have gone about it differently than CP3.

[Im Your FatherParticipant]

Do you think billups is better than dwill? Frankly I think that both Chris Paul and Deron Williams are significantly better than Chauncey, but I don’t think Billups has any skill that Williams doesn’t have.

[RickyRubio9Participant]

No way Billups can handle D-Will defensively and I think D-Will’s body structure will help him beat up on Billups. Plus, D-Will is becoming a great shooter in a short time and can finish strong because he is built strong! haha. He has great court vision and a killer crossover on the way.

[xbadgerhustlerParticipant]

Yea, I mean, don’t get me wrong, I think that both CP3 and DWill are amazing basketball players. I think that a lot of what Chauncey brings to the team has more to do with his understanding of the game…. he teaches other guys the right way to do it…

Obviously, if I had to pick a guy for this year and the next 5 it’d be DWill or CP3… The guy I would pick would depend on the circumstances, and who’s on my team.

I think that at this point, Chauncey is my pick. I think that there’s a good possibility that after DWill and CP3 have played as many seasons as Chauncey, they’ll have a similar understanding of winning in the league and then I’d probably take one of those two, but at this point, neither guy has the experience and presence of Billups on a team.

[butidonthavemoney]

First of all, Jerry Sloan doesn’t want Deron Williams to rebound the ball. He would rather have him get back on defense to prevent the fast break. Rondo got some beef from Doc Rivers because the Celtics gave up so many easy baskets. Yes his stats look prettier and he is a better fantasy player but that doesn’t mean jack to me.

Deron’s numbers were terrible the first half of the season. He injured he ankle after landing on Derrick Rose’s foot in the preseason during his homecoming to Chicago. He tried playing on the ankle but could only manage about 10 points a game on less than 40% shooting. His numbers would slowly rise throughout the season. That’s why his %’s are lower than past seasons. That’s why he did not make the all-star team.

Ok Chris Paul averages .3 more assists than Deron Williams, but Deron Williams averages more assists per 48 minutes (Leads the NBA in Assists per 48).

More steals don’t mean better defense. Chris Paul has trouble guarding bigger players while Deron Williams never seems fazed. He can guard the fastest, the most athletic, and the strongest. I consider Deron Williams a better defender than Chris Paul.

Deron Williams is more clutch. He always shuts his man down during crunch time and makes perfect choices. His mid-range is absoultely automatic and he can get to the rim at will. He has so many game winning/tying shots.

Yes it’s close but there are plently of reasons why D-Will is better than CP3.

[McWinningParticipant]

did you used to be someone else?

[xbadgerhustlerParticipant]

lol, bird that sounds funny.

i used to be a cp3>DWill advocate, but I donno, I’m starting to think I’d take DWill over CP3

[llperez]

I agree with the opening list except I would still put Nash at 5 over Westbrook. But Nash is losing a step and the diference between him and westbrook as well as Baron Davis is not much. I actually expect a big rebound year from Davis as Griffin and Gordon light a spark on that Clippers franchise.

As for Nash getting outplayed in a game of one on one by westbrook, i agree he would. but Nash’s impact on the game is beyond just plain one on one skills his abilty to read the court and make the right play and consistently knock down shots are both far superior then westbrooks. Nash is slipping, but he’s not a dinosaur yet.

[xbadgerhustlerParticipant]

ll, do u think i’m completely off in what i’m saying about chauncey?

[gatorheelsParticipant]

DWill averages .1 asst more than Paul per 48 haha…I would say that is pretty even.  Paul scores more & rebounds more…plus more steals..also shoots a higher FG% & higher 3pt%…These are just some reasons why I would take Chris Paul

[llperez]

hustler, naw I don’t think you are compleley off at all. Chauncey does a lot of the little things. Paul handles the rock so much, that he might not mesh well with a guy like carmelo who needs to be given space so he can do his own thing. DWill likes to look for his own shot, and if he is off, it can hurt the whole team. But as a whole, I would still put both Paul and Dwill slightly ahead of Billups. Billups can force bad shots from time to time and he does’nt break down defenses quite as easily as the other two.

[KevinDurantRocksParticipant]

But what do you guys think of Gilbert Arenes

[xbadgerhustlerParticipant]

I think when he’s healthy he’s very hard to stop one-on-one…. I don’t really know what I think about him when he has to be the lead guard for a squad.

[butidonthavemoney]

Maybe this is just because I’m used to better from you, but is that all you are really going to give us? Yes he put up better stats this season. Whoop-Dee-Doo.

Here is some reasons CP3 is better:

He turns the ball over at a lower rate.
He is faster.
A more vocal leader.
Getting off good shots from awkward positions.
Drive and dish.

I think Deron Williams is better but even I can put up a better arguement for Chris Paul other than, “teh stats is betterzzz!!!1!!1!! duhron williams is sux!!!!!!!”

[R-Dot-13Participant]

Ok, Thank you Gatorheels for agreeing with me, but honestly they are very close, and it is a huge debate for who is better.
As for Westbrook, i knew i would get some heat for this, but I honestly feel that this season he is going to be very good, and he has the potential to be very special.

[QHaynes20]

Billups is not number one man….come on. That Pistons team had 3 or 4 all stars on that team

[xbadgerhustlerParticipant]

i think russell has as much potential as any player in the league. the improvements he has made in the last two years are almost unheard of. i can’t think of a player who has grown more in two years than that kid. he’s also playing with some talented kids down in OKC which makes his life easier.

[xbadgerhustlerParticipant]

i think russell has as much potential as any player in the league. the improvements he has made in the last two years are almost unheard of. i can’t think of a player who has grown more in two years than that kid. he’s also playing with some talented kids down in OKC which makes his life easier.

[QHaynes20]

Yea but Billups played with Hamilton, Prince, Sheed and Big Ben.

Dont forget guys like Lindsay Hunter, Okur

[R-Dot-13Participant]

Billups is great, but when he wont the championships, he has had very good teams.
I just dont see him as higher than a 3rd or 4th best in the West.
Keep the discussion coming… Im gonna work on “Best SG in the East”

[xbadgerhustlerParticipant]

Oh I thought we were talking about just last year

[xbadgerhustlerParticipant]

Hasn’t Chauncey been to 7 straight conference finals?

[Bryant24Participant]

I agree with all of it i like d-will better but paul is the bettr overall point guard i think westbrook is a good player he as just as much as anybody in the league in my opinion

[R-Dot-13Participant]

thank you for agreeing about westbrook.

[QHaynes20]

Hasn’t Chauncey been to 7 straight conference finals?

True, but Hamilton, Prince, Wallaces and Okur helped…

[R-Dot-13Participant]

so did Smith, Melo, nene.. etc

[xbadgerhustlerParticipant]

hahaha ok, attribute a guy making it to 7 conference finals to the other people he’s played with… except, how many of them have made it to the conference finals without him?

i feel like okur hasn’t played for the pistons forever

[QHaynes20]

He made it to 1 without those guys….what are u talking about

[xbadgerhustlerParticipant]

i’m just saying, how many conference finals have prince, wallace, hamilton, melo, jr smith, etc. made without chauncey on their squad? how many other players have made it to 7 consecutive conference finals? i’m thinking the answer is no… could just be a coincedence or….

[QHaynes20]

Ok, without all those guys you just named. How many Conference Finals has billups been in?

[R-Dot-13Participant]

Ok, the guy has had a great career and is a great pg.
But for you to think he’s better than Paul is silly.

[xbadgerhustlerParticipant]

the point is, since chauncey has put it all together, he hasn’t missed a conference final… he has made it once without prince, hamilton, wallace, and 6 others without melo and jr smith 😉

[QHaynes20]

but without all those guys…how many times have Billups made it?

0 times. Also, you act like there clutch in those Series…He went 2-5 in conference finals

[xbadgerhustlerParticipant]

Q, you can’t make it to the conference finals without teammates, that’s the game of basketball.

[QHaynes20]

so why are you pushing Billups all the credit?

He bounced around the NBA before the Pistons

add Hamilton, Prince, Ben Wallace and Sheed…he looks like a top PG. Not buying it.

[xbadgerhustlerParticipant]

foolish. i might have thought like u before he turned the nuggets around, now i think it’s hard to ignore. you also think rondo is the sh!t and he plays with KG, ALLEN, and PIERCE…. your arguments are flawed.

[R-Dot-13Participant]

Rondo would be great even without those 3, if he was put on a bad team, he would have much better stats, he could average 20 ppg without them, but thats not his role.

[QHaynes20]

Yea but Rondo was not a failed player on 3 other teams. I mean, 3 all stars to play with and pass to, uh…many PG would have success

[xbadgerhustlerParticipant]

that’s not the point… we’re not talking about stats, we’re talking about winnin basketball games. chauncey could score tons more points and rack up way more assists if he held the ball all game like CP3… he couldn’t care less about stats, all he cares about is winning games. rondo is not even in the discussion with billups…

my point is, first q tries to say rondo is the sh!t, when a lot of his success is the dudes he plays with, and then he turns around and says billups doesn’t warrant any credit- it’s his teammates doing…. it’s just inconsistent

[xbadgerhustlerParticipant]

Billups WAS a failed player on 3 teams…. then he figured it out and he’s been to 7 consecutive conf finals… we’re not talking about what he used to be

[QHaynes20]

I never said he is bad. I said he is not the best PG in the NBA.

NOT ONCE have I said Rondo was the best PG in the NBA.

[xbadgerhustlerParticipant]

For one season, I think I’d take Chauncey over any other PG. I might take DWill, but I’d probably take Chauncey.

[R-Dot-13Participant]

Why though? Put CP3 on any team Chauncey has played for and they are better.

[QHaynes20]

You said on this post, Best PG in the West…Billups.

[xbadgerhustlerParticipant]

R Dot 13, how do u know that?

[R-Dot-13Participant]

Because he has so much talent.
Imagine this lineup
PG: Paul
SG: Hamilton
SF: Prince
PF: Wallace (prime)
C: Wallace (prime)

Looks like a championship to me..

[xbadgerhustlerParticipant]

but that didn’t happen… i donno, i really don’t think it’s that out there to think that a guy- nicknamed ‘mr. big shot’ for being so clutch, who hits 40% of his 3’s (and it’s significant because he takes 5/gm), who hits 91% FT, who has been to 7 conference finals in a row, who has an asst-to around 3-1, puts in the effort on defense, who averages over a steal/gm, who takes the time out to explain the intricacies of the game to his teammates- is the best PG in the league… or at least the guy i’d take over any other pg

[Author]

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