As we examine the final position in looking at the 2018 NBA Draft, we find a far weaker point guard class than the crop from 2017.
The strongest position in the 2017 NBA Draft class was undoubtedly at point guard. Between Markelle Fultz and Lonzo Ball going No. 1 and 2, and De’Aaron Fox, Frank Ntilikina and Dennis Smith Jr. following suit, the future is bright in the backcourt.
For the 2018 NBA Draft class, that position is considerably weaker. Partially, that’s due to how exceptional 2017 was. But in addition to that, there just isn’t a lot of high-level players. That being said, 2018 has some very interesting players that could make this group much more formidable depending on what kind of year they have.
It was really tempting to put Luka Doncic on this list, but given his size is more of a modern shooting guard, it gives a chance to show off an extra point guard. Doncic may be a future NBA point guard though.
For these following five players, point guard really seems like their best position, and perhaps the only one they can play. Here are the five best in the class of 2018.
5. Shake Milton, SMU
Shake Milton was a bit under the radar last year. Part of that comes naturally when playing with Semi Ojeleye. Now that he’s a Boston Celtic and Sterling Brown is also in the NBA, SMU might be Milton’s team this season.
Milton physically is a coach’s dream at point guard. At 6’5″ with a lengthy wingspan, Milton can guard perhaps 1-3 at the next level. His height means he can see over the defense and it helps with his shooting. With a high release, his shot is tough to block when defended by point guards. Through two seasons at SMU, Milton has hit over 42 percent on 316 attempts. He’s legit.
The biggest area of improvement for Milton will be as a passer. He respectably averaged 4.5 assists last season, but now the ball will be his more than ever. Milton’s never going to be a traditional point guard, but it’s important for him to continue to make better passes and reads. If he can add that to his 3-point shooting and defensive potential, Milton may eventually be a top-two point guard in this class.
4. Abdoulaye N’Doye, France
You won’t find a picture of Abdoulaye N’Doye as he’s a bit of an international mystery to most Americans. He has as much intrigue as a mystery though, especially as a 6’7″ point guard. N’Doye plays in France’s log league for Cholet and will be 20 by the time the draft comes around.
Not only is he very strong and tall, but he boasts an absurd 7’2″ wingspan. Unsurprisingly, he’s turned into a stud of a defensive prospect. To put his measurements in perspective, his wingspan-to-height ratio is equivalent to Kawhi Leonard‘s, per Draft Express.
The question for him is what kind of offensive player he can turn into. His playmaking is solid and his height makes that advantageous. Scoring is probably the biggest question mark. Adding a consistent jumper would do wonders for him. N’Doye might be the most interesting point guard in this prospective draft class. In general, even outside his position, he might be the most intriguing international name outside of Doncic.
3. Trevon Duval, Duke
Trevon Duval is going to have a lot of eyes on him at Duke. Luckily, with Grayson Allen and Marvin Bagley III, he won’t have to carry too much of the load. That being said, despite being very skilled and with incredible physical tools, he has a lot of improving to do.
Like N’Doye and Milton, Duval has ideal size for an NBA point guard. At 6’3″ with a 6’10” wingspan, he can make an impact defensively and maybe even guard some shooting guards. However, his skills don’t match those tools. Duval struggles with his jumper, so don’t be surprised if you see people calling him the next Elfrid Payton.
That would be a mistake though, as he’s a ridiculously bouncy athlete. Duval will feast in transition between his speed and power. Decision-making might be the biggest concern, especially for a position where excelling in that area is a prerequisite. It’ll be fascinating to see how he fares running Duke’s offense, especially as a freshman. Duval has the tools to be the best point guard in this class if he puts everything together. Whether that happens is another story.
2. Andrew Jones, Texas
Andrew Jones was an impact freshman at Texas last year and could be poised for a breakout year. At 6’4″ with a near-6’7″ wingspan, he has ideal size to be a floor general. Despite not having a lot of talent around him, Jones was able to put up solid numbers with 11.4 points, 3.5 assists and 3.9 rebounds. Jones also shot over 50 percent from 2-point range.
One struggle for Jones was 3-point shooting. In his first year, he shot just 32.8 percent. If he can get that to 35 percent or higher, NBA teams may become more confident in his jumper. One encouraging sign, though, is that he shot 77.5 percent from the free throw line.
Jones does a little bit of everything, but nothing exceptionally. Becoming more consistent when it comes to shooting, passing and with his decision-making will be crucial. He needs to show he can be a true point guard. Between his athleticism and ball handling though, Jones could emerge as a bonafide first-rounder.
1. Collin Sexton, Alabama
If Josh Jackson was last year’s alpha dog, Collin Sexton is this year’s. The McDonald’s All-American plays with high intensity and won’t back down from anyone. He makes Alabama must-see TV this year. The question will be if he can he avoid the fates of Dennis Smith Jr. and Markelle Fultz and make the NCAA Tournament.
At 6’2″ with a 6’7″ wingspan, Sexton is going to be a bullish point guard defender. He might not be able to guard shooting guards, but he’s going to be a pain to play against. What Sexton can also do extremely well is get buckets. Sexton won’t have trouble scoring thanks to his toughness, athleticism and craftiness.
We’re looking at a two-way point guard who can dominate by scoring, so why isn’t he in contention for the top pick? Decision-making and shooting. Yes, that’s clearly been the issue with many of these guards, namely his 2017 classmate Duvall.
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But at this stage Sexton is both a better defender and scorer. His jumper, maturity and decision-making will determine how high he goes. Either way, this guy is likely going to be a top-10 pick. NBA teams are going to love his tenacity.