Hoops Nation

#12 Kyle Lowry-Toronto Raptors

Kyle Lowry put up good numbers for the Rockets last season at 14 points per game and almost 7 assists, now Toronto is expecting the same. Lowry is entering his prime but I don’t expect his stats to improve that much. He will remain a top 12 point guard through this season and will try to push the Raptors into the playoffs. Last season he was considered a MVP candidate at one point in the season. I don’t expect him to be a candidate for that prestigious award again, but he could be in the hunt for an all-star bid. All-Star or not, he is a great leader and should fit nicely in Toronto.
Stat Predictions:15 points per game, 7 assists, 4 rebounds.

 

#11 Jrue Holiday-Philadelphia 76ers

Jrue Holiday has always been a player oozing with potential. He will start to live up to it this season for the 76ers. I expect Holiday to improve in scoring and passing as he will try to lead the Sixers back to another playoff run. Holiday played great last season in the playoffs as he led his team to the Eastern Conference Semi Finals. I doubt Holiday will break out into an all-star player. He is still only 22 and will improve this season. I have big expectations for him in the future though, as I expect him to merge as a top 10 point guard.
Stat Predictions:16 points per game, 6 assists, 2 rebounds, 1 steal.

 

#10 Ty Lawson-Denver Nuggets

Ty had his breakout season last year, and now he looks to improve on it. He led his Nuggets to the playoffs last season averaging 16 points per game and 6 assists. The little point guard is starting to enter his prime and will prove himself as a top 10 point guard this season. He should be fighting for an all-star spot this year, but I’m not expecting him to get to one. Still, the future is bright for the quick guard from North Carolina.
Stat Predictions:17 points per game, 8 assists, 2 steals.

 

#9 John Wall-Washington Wizards

John Wall has had great expectations since his days at Kentucky. He had a great rookie season, but really didn’t improve in his second year in the league. Some people have labeled him as a disappointment because of his sophomore year in the NBA. With Bradley Beal now by his side, I expect him to improve and become a top 10 point guard. I believe Wall will be a top 5 point guard someday, but he is still young and is learning. He could be on track to get his first all-star appearance this season, but I wouldn’t count on it.
Stat Predictions: 18 points per game, 7 assists, 3 rebounds, 1 steal.

 

#8 Steve Nash-Los Angeles Lakers

Steve Nash isn’t the best point guard in the game, but this off-season he has received the hype as one. Nash was apart of a sign and trade that sends him to the LA Lakers to team up with Kobe Bryant, and create one of the best back courts in the NBA. Nash’s points per game may drop, but his assists will go up as he is surrounded by talent. Nash isn’t getting any younger, and this could be his last season in the top 10 point guard category.
Stat Predictions:13 points per game, 11 assists.

 

#7 Brandon Jennings-Milwaukee Bucks

With Brandon Jennings and Monta Ellis getting some time in training camp to figure out how they can play together, I expect them to have a great season playing side by side, especially Brandon Jennings. Jennings almost averaged 20 points per game last season and he is still improving. I expect him to have great season. He is lining up to have a breakout season, and possibly get to his first ever all star game.He probably won’t be anything better than a 20 point per game scorer with Monta by his side though.
Stat Predictions: 20 points per game, 6 assists, 4 rebounds, 1 steal.

 

#6 Tony Parker-San Antonio Spurs

Like Steve Nash, Parker is aging and this could be his last season in the top 12. Still, Parker is coming off an incredible season where he averaged 18 points per game and 8 assists on a great team. Parker is the key to the Spurs final push at a championship. I expect Parker to get back to the all-star game and have a great season again. I do believe that last season, Parker was in his last MVP race he will ever be in. Too many great young players are emerging and I don’t expect Parker to be able to stay in the race.
Stat Predictions:18 points per game, 7 assists, 2 rebounds, 1 steal.

 

#5 Kyrie Irving-Cleveland Cavaliers

Kyrie Irving is coming off a great rookie season for the Cavaliers and he is looking to improve on it. Kyrie has quickly risen up as a top 10 point guard in the league. Kyrie is only 20 years old and is oozing with potential. It shouldn’t come as a surprise if Kyrie is the best point guard in the league someday. Still, he has things to learn and is still getting better. I would be shocked if Kyrie went into a sophomore slump, but anything could happen.
Stat Predictions:21 points per game, 7 assists, 3 rebounds, 1 steal.

 

#4 Rajon Rondo-Boston Celtics

This is where things get tough. Any of these 4 point guards have a case for #1 and all could be switched. Rajon Rondo comes in at fourth. Rondo is a solid jump shot away from being the best point guard in the league, but he will not ever fully develop it. Still, he is an incredible point guard that should remain in the top 5 for most of his career. He is a triple double machine and is the glue to the Celtics. With his teammates Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett aging though, who can Rondo look to for the easy assist?
Stat Predictions:15 points per game, 11 assists, 6 rebounds, 2 steals.

 

#3 Russell Westbrook-Oklahoma City Thunder

Russell Westbrook is coming off a terrific season where he helped his team get to the finals. With that, he was arguably the best point guard in the league with Rose out, and was an MVP candidate. I expect Russell to continue his ways and help his team get back to the finals. While Westbrook may emerge as a candidate for the MVP award again, I do not expect him to get it. His teammate Kevin Durant, could be the front runner. Durant and Westbrook create an incredible duo, and should be exciting to watch for years to come.
Stat Predictions:24 points per game, 6 assists, 4 rebounds, 1 steal.

 

#2 Deron Williams-Brooklyn Nets

Deron Williams sets off the Brooklyn franchise right by resigning for 5 years on a max contract. I expect Deron to have one of his best seasons in the league, as he is now surrounded by talent and has a better chance to create plays. Williams should be an MVP candidate and all-star for the Nets. As Williams is in his prime, the Nets will try to take full advantage of what he brings to the table. A great season lies ahead for Deron.
Stat Predictions: 23 points per game, 8 assists, 3 rebounds, 1 steal.

 

#1 Chris Paul-Los Angeles Clippers

LA will now have 2 top 10 point guards. Sadly for the Lakers, Chris Paul is number 1. CP3 creates an exciting duo with Blake Griffin. I truly believe CP3 will have one of the best seasons of his career if he can stay healthy.The real question is, can Paul prove that he is championship worthy? He has always been a great player, but with no finals appearances it is tough to say if he can lead a team to the promised land.Chris Paul should be a serious contender for the MVP award. It is almost guaranteed that he will be the starter for the Western All Star team. Chris Paul will be the best point guard in the league for the 2012-2013 season.
Stat Predictions: 22 points per game, 10 assists, 2 rebounds, 3 steals.