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Sacramento Kings: Ranking De’Aaron Fox among the league’s other point guards

By Cannon Wonderlich

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - NOVEMBER 21: De'Aaron Fox #5 of the Sacramento Kings kicks the pass by Ricky Rubio #3 of the Utah Jazz in the second half of a NBA game at Vivint Smart Home Arena on November 21, 2018 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - NOVEMBER 21: De'Aaron Fox #5 of the Sacramento Kings kicks the pass by Ricky Rubio #3 of the Utah Jazz in the second half of a NBA game at Vivint Smart Home Arena on November 21, 2018 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images) /
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Photo by J Pat Carter/Getty Images
Photo by J Pat Carter/Getty Images /

The top 10

10. Eric Bledsoe, Milwaukee Bucks – VORP: 1.1, WS: 2.7

Eric Bledsoe is playing a much different role for the Bucks than he did for the Suns. In Phoenix, Bledsoe was the best player on a team with no shot at the playoffs. Now, he is the third option (behind the likes of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton) on a Milwaukee team that plans to contend for the NBA title. His numbers have taken a hit, as expected, but his tertiary role on the Bucks is the most meaningful basketball he’s played in his career.

9. John Wall, Washington Wizards – VORP: 0.6, WS: 1.1

John Wall has been one of few bright spots for the Wizards this season. With the news that anyone on the Wizards roster is available for trade, Wall could soon find himself on a new team that might have an actual chance to contend.

8. Chris Paul, Houston Rockets – VORP: 0.6, WS: 1.7

Chris Paul has taken a half-step down from last year. He is 33 years old now and is expected to start slowing down, but just six months ago in the playoffs, he was playing some of the best basketball of his career. The Rockets are off to a rough start and will be depending on Paul’s health and reigning MVP James Harden for the team to make another deep playoff run.

7. Mike Conley, Memphis Grizzlies – VORP: 0.8, WS: 2.1

The Grizzlies seemingly start every season off strong, so their 6-3 start last season seemed like noting out of the normal. When Mike Conley went down with injury, the team went on an eight-game losing streak and Conley didn’t return for the season. Memphis found itself with the fourth selection in the 2018 NBA Draft, selecting Jaren Jackson Jr. Now with Conley back, Marc Gasol playing as good as he ever has, and Jackson being a promising rookie, the Grizzlies are back in shape for a deep playoff run.

6. Kyle Lowry, Toronto Raptors – VORP: 1.2, WS: 3.3

While Kawhi Leonard sits some games out to rest, Kyle Lowry has been consistent for the Raptors, leading them to the best record in the NBA so far. If this keeps up, Leonard and Lowry might be bringing Toronto its first NBA title.

5. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder – VORP: 1.1, WS: 1.6

The Thunder started out terribly but have turned it around and look like their normal selves. Russell Westbrook has missed time with injuries and the birth of his twin daughters, but he is still one of the best players in the league and is primed to drop a triple-double any given night.

4. Kyrie Irving, Boston Celtics – VORP: 1.6, WS: 2.9

The Celtics aren’t off to the dominant start that many predicted. Kyrie Irving is their best player and will be responsible for future success or failure. After shaving the afro, Irving is back to being one of the most dominant guards in the league.

3. Kemba Walker, Charlotte Hornets – VORP: 1.4, WS: 2.8

After this season, no one shall ever again overlook Kemba Walker. He has put the Hornets on his back in his contract year and is better than ever. Look for the Hornets to make the playoffs this summer, and if they don’t, Walker may need to consider signing elsewhere if he wants some help.

2. Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers – VORP: 1.5, WS: 3.3

Damian Lillard has led the Trail Blazers to an impressive start, though they’ve regressed a bit after opening the season 10-3. He will be trying to recreate his success from last year as he will surely put together a dark horse MVP campaign.

1. Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors – VORP: 1.0, WS: 2.0

When Stephen Curry has played this season, he has been the favorite for MVP. However, Curry has missed time with a groin strain which may disqualify him in some voters’ minds. Now that he has returned, look for him to resume his dominance.

What this means

De’Aaron Fox ranks 13th among all starting point guards on this list, so one could certainly argue he’s already an above-average point guard in the NBA. His stats have taken a jump from last season and will likely take a jump next season too. If the front office is able to keep Fox and his supporting cast intact, the Kings could compete for their first championship since 1951.

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Nevertheless, the improvement of De’Aaron Fox gives hope that he will be one of the best point guards in the league in the coming years.

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