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NBA Draft 2016: Ranking The Top 10 Point Guards

By Jake Fielder

Mar 17, 2016; Raleigh, NC, USA; Providence Friars guard Kris Dunn (3) shoots the ball over USC Trojans forward Bennie Boatwright (25) during the first half at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2016; Raleigh, NC, USA; Providence Friars guard Kris Dunn (3) shoots the ball over USC Trojans forward Bennie Boatwright (25) during the first half at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 18, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oregon State Beavers guard Gary Payton II (1) passes against Virginia Commonwealth Rams guard JeQuan Lewis (1) in the first half during the first round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oregon State Beavers guard Gary Payton II (1) passes against Virginia Commonwealth Rams guard JeQuan Lewis (1) in the first half during the first round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

Is Gary Payton II a shooting guard? A small forward? Hell, Oregon State even played him at power forward some. The hardest part of evaluating Payton was determining where he would end up playing in the NBA. Ultimately, the more I studied his game, the more I think he needs to follow in his old man’s footsteps and hold down the point.

His strengths translate well to either guard position but it’s going to be much easier to hide his weaknesses at the one than it will be at the two guard.

Speaking of Gary Payton Sr., his son is every bit of the defensive monster his dad was. Payton II is one of those rare players whose defensive impact shows up both statistically and also in on-court production. He averaged right at three steals, seven boards, and over one block per game as a guard and was frequently used as a utility player, guarding four of the five positions on the court and being the ideal player to switch through screens.

He has an otherworldly ability to get his hands on the ball even when in an inopportune position, whether that involves deflecting passes or blocking shots.

Unlike his dad, however, Payton is not an accomplished passer. He only averaged three assists per game with two turnovers a game, a significantly lower ratio than every other guard on this list. Also, while his shot has improved, he’s a shaky three-point shooter and is an absolute liability at the free throw line (only 67%).

He has the athleticism to get to the rim but if the other team is able to limit his driving capabilities, his offensive game is pretty limited at best. Nonetheless, I still feel Payton will able to make it in the league due to his work ethic and ability to play the all-important “positionless-basketball” of today’s NBA.

Next: No. 7