POINT GUARDS
Apr 30, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) goes to pass as Brooklyn Nets guard
Deron Williams(8) defends during the first half of game five of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Isaiah Thomas– Isaiah Thomas was one of the better scoring guards in the NBA this season — his breakout year. Thomas might be the smallest starting point guard in the league, but that didn’t stop him from averaging 20.3 points and 6.3 assists.
Kyle Lowry– Kyle Lowry was the engine of the third-seeded Toronto Raptors this year, alongside DeMar DeRozan. Lowry averaged 17.9 points, 7.4 assists, 4.7 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and shot 38% from three. Lowry ranked top-10 in points, assists, rebounds, steals, and three-pointers made among point guards. In the playoffs, Lowry averaged 21.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game.
Brandon Knight– Brandon Knight might have been on a terrible Bucks team, but he was a bright spot. Knight averaged 17.9 points and 4.9 assists per game. Knight showed consistency he hadn’t shown in his first two seasons. In order for Knight to take the next step he must improve on his defense. After the all-star break Knight played his best basketball averaging 19.9 points and 4.9 assists in 28 games.
Ty Lawson– Ty Lawson might have missed 20 games with injuries, but he had an excellent season regardless. Lawson averaged 17.6 points, 8.8 assists, and 1.6 steals. Lawson must become a better defender to become an all-star point guard, but his offense still makes him one of the leagues best.
Kemba Walker– Kemba Walker was the second best player on a decent Charlotte Bobcats team that grabbed the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference. Walker averaged 17.7 points, 6.1 assists, and 4.2 rebounds. Like most point guards on this list, Walker must improve on the defensive end to take the next step.
Honorable Mention: Patty Mills