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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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Dec 1, 2015; Raleigh, NC, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack guard Anthony
Dec 1, 2015; Raleigh, NC, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack guard Anthony /

Let me start by saying this: I am extremely biased toward Cat Barber. While he may not be the most technically sound or fundamental point guard in this draft, he was by far the most fun. I don’t know if there was another player I watched who would attack a defense in so many different ways off the iso.

In no way is Cat Barber a traditional, pass-first point guard…but with an offensive skill set like his, it may not matter.

First off, Barber is fast. Like mind-bogglingly so. Almost no college level defenders could stay in front of him, even if Barber is dribbling and/or cutting. He cuts on an absolute dime and as such, keeping him away from the rim is a full-time job for even the most locked in of defenders.

This manifests itself most accurately when he can get loose in transition. When Barber gets downhill, it could be a one-on-five fast break and I would probably still take Barber. Furthermore, if the defense opts to sag off of him, Barber will make them pay, posting shooting splits of .453/.361/.865 despite an insanely high usage rate.

Barber could still use some refining on the offensive end, however. As I said before, Barber is a competent shooter. In situations where he gets flustered or can’t get a clean look, however, he ends up taking a lot of bad, contested shots. He also struggles with finishing at the hoop when there’s a rim protector in the way, converting only 49 percent of his attempts (per Synergy Sports.com).

Also, while technically a point guard, he does not pass the ball readily and could definitely use some coaching on plays that aren’t iso-based. He’s also an average defender at best. It’s not an effort or understanding thing. He just truly doesn’t have the skill and will likely need to be hid at the professional level.

Barber reminds me so much of Brandon Jennings. An absolute gunner who can give a defense fits but also has liabilities that his team must account for. I don’t think it will take Barber long to make his presence felt at the professional level, and, given the right system, could become an instant offense player who is capable of being a one-man wrecking ball with the rock in his hands.

Next: No. 2