Sacramento Kings: Ranking De’Aaron Fox among the league’s other point guards
The bottom 10
30. Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks – VORP -0.5, WS: -0.5
About a quarter of the way into his rookie year, Trae Young has been very solid for the Hawks and will surely improve and develop in the coming years. His 3-point shot hasn’t been falling so far, making only 24.8 percent of his 5.8 attempts per game. His shot will definitely come around as he improves and gets more comfortable.
29. Collin Sexton, Cleveland Cavaliers – VORP: -0.5, WS: -0.1
George Hill is currently injured, giving rookie Collin Sexton a chance to form a Rookie of the Year campaign. Rookie streaks and struggles are to be expected with any first-year player, and Sexton is no exception.
28. Dennis Smith Jr., Dallas Mavericks – VORP: -0.1, WS: 0.1
Dennis Smith Jr. had many expectations heading into this season. So far, he has disappointed. His 13.9 points, 3.9 assists and 2.8 rebounds per game are worse than his stats from last year, where as a rookie he averaged 15.2 points, 5.2 assists and 3.0 rebounds a night.
27. Emmanuel Mudiay, New York Knicks – VORP: 0.2, WS: 0.6
Emmanuel Mudiay is currently winning the role as the New York Knicks starting point guard, a relatively weak position through the franchise’s history. The last real star to play the role was Walt Frazier in the early 1970s. Trey Burke and Frank Ntilikina are also competing for the position and each has spent some time in the role. Until one of these prospects take the next step to stand out among their peers, the inconsistency at this position will stay around.
26. Ryan Arcidiacono, Chicago Bulls – VORP: 0.2, WS: 1.3
Ryan Arcidiacono, along with Cameron Payne, have taken the role as Chicago’s starting point guards after Kris Dunn suffered an injury in the first game of the season. While Archidiacono has taken the role in in recent games, the best of the two young guards will likely be the team’s go-to backup for Dunn after his return.
25. Bryn Forbes, San Antonio Spurs – VORP: 0.0, WS: 0.7
Dejounte Murray suffered an ACL injury in the preseason, leaving Bryn Forbes the opportunity to show the world his skill. He has been solid for San Antonio, but Murray will undoubtedly resume his role when he returns next season.
24. Ricky Rubio, Utah Jazz – VORP: 0.1, WS: 0.6
Ricky Rubio’s game is very similar to how it was in Minnesota at the beginning of his career. Utah at first looked like a revitalization for his career, but it seems to have been a mirage.
23. Reggie Jackson, Detroit Pistons – VORP: 0.3, WS: 1.4
Reggie Jackson had a breakout season in 2015-16 and served as a great second option to Andre Drummond, averaging 18.8 points and 6.2 assists per game. They led the Pistons to the 8-seed in the playoffs before they were eliminated in the first round by the Cavaliers. Since then, Jackson has been trying to recreate his success, but has fallen short each season.
22. Jeff Teague, Minnesota Timberwolves – VORP: 0.0, WS: 0.9
Jeff Teague isn’t as productive as he was in his sole All-Star season in 2014-15 on the Hawks. He is still an above-average point guard who is trying to help Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns return to the playoffs.
21. Darren Collison, Indiana Pacers – VORP: 0.2, WS: 1.3
Darren Collison was excellent for the Pacers in the playoffs last year and his performances helped push the Cavaliers to seven games. While there are certainly improvements at his position, the Pacers are succeeding and Collison not requiring the ball in his hands gives Victor Oladipo the ability to play his best game.