NBA Draft 2013: Ranking The Five Best Point Guards In The Draft

The position of point guard is arguably the most important in today’s NBA. They bring the ball up the floor, dictate tempo and make key decisions throughout the game. The 2013 NBA Draft has a few very good point guard prospects in it and in this piece we will rank the top five.

No. 5: Shane Larkin – Miami

Shane Larkin is a lightning-quick point guard with great handles and the ability to blow by his man. He can jump out of the gym with his 44.5-inch vertical and projects to be a solid NBA point guard — perhaps even being a starter one day in the league. Teams like the Utah Jazz should be seriously considering him.

No. 4: Dennis Schroeder – Germany

The young point guard from Europe has one of the highest ceilings of any player in the 2013 NBA Draft. Schroeder caught the attention of NBA scouts when he blitzed the U.S. defense at the recent Nike Hoop Summit. If he can piece it all together and adapt to life in the NBA, Schroeder is one of the few players that could become an All-Star some time down the line. However, at this moment, he is still a relatively unknown quantity and there is always a level of risk attached to an international player.

No. 3: C.J McCollum – Lehigh

C.J. McCollum is an impressive shooter who could thrive in the NBA

(Photo Credit/fanaticmg/flickr.com)

Much like Rookie of the Year Damian Lillard before last year’s draft, the big knock on C.J McCollum is that he didn’t play in a highly rated conference at the collegiate level. However, as Lillard showed in 2012-13, this shouldn’t be too much of a concern. Before breaking his foot in January, he was shooting better than 50 percent from 3-point range. He can score the ball off the dribble and in catch-and-shoot situations. McCollum is a safe pick in this year’s volatile draft.

No. 2: Michael Carter-Williams – Syracuse

Perhaps the most intriguing point guard prospect in the 2013 draft, Michael Carter-Williams has the NBA body. Standing at 6’6’’, he has extraordinary length for his position and he sees the floor brilliantly. Sure, his jump shot could do with some work, but every rookie comes with a flaw or two. If Carter-Williams can continue to distribute the ball well and improve his jump shot, he’ll prove to be a brilliant point guard at the next level. His terrific athleticism and length also make him a defensive game-changer. MCW is worth the risk.

No. 1: Trey Burke – Michigan

Trey Burke was the best player in the country last year. Credit: Adam Glanzman, Flickr.com

The most outstanding player in college basketball last year, Trey Burke enters the draft as the best point guard. His skills will translate to the next level. Burke can hit the outside jumper, meaning defenses won’t be able to sag off him; allowing him to use his quickness to penetrate off isolation situations or in the pick-and-roll. He makes smart decisions; plays defense to a good standard and has the right mentality. A winning mentality. Trey Burke is a sure-fire success in the NBA. The only knock on him is his lack of elite size. However, the success of players like Ty Lawson should negate any fears NBA teams have.