Chauncey Billups is one of the most complete guards in the NBA.
A point guard can carry a team -- if he has all the right stuff
Having played in the league during the '80s, '90s and the new millennium (old, I know), I had the chance to see firsthand how the best point guards of our time played the game. Magic Johnson with the Showtime Lakers, Isiah Thomas with the Bad Boys Pistons, John Stockton with Karl Malone as part of the greatest pick-and-roll duo ever, and my good friend with the Pacers, Mark Jackson, and his effortless tear drop. I witnessed how a true point guard runs his team.
It used to be you a needed a true center to win championships, but now the point guard position holds just as much weight. There are three keys to being a great point guard in today's game:
The ability to know the time and the score in a game. Understanding foul situations, when your team is in the bonus and whose hands the ball should end up in to execute a play. G.M. players read the advance scouting reports and often go over the game plan with the head coach. This is much harder for younger players. Only with time and experience do you fully command these skills. G.M. players are also your most vocal members on the team.
The ability to manage egos on the team. Whether it's the best player or the 12th man next to the Gatorade cooler, understanding the personalities on your team is key. P.M. players, in part, are good con men -- they have to be able to sell whatever situation (good or bad) is in front of them. P.M. players are an extension of the coach on the floor. They are great communicators, but their greatest asset is leading by example.
The ability to make an unbelievable pass through three defenders or knock down shot after shot to demoralize a defense. F.D. players don't care if they are playing in front of home crowds or in hostile environments, they will do whatever it takes to win. F.D. players, at times, can be a little selfish, but that's what makes them great. Their me-first attitude sometimes hurts a team, but make no mistake, F.D. players get the job done.
In today's NBA you want your point guard to be a hybrid of all three qualities. The season is long, so you never know when your point guard will need each skill. Take a look at my list and see whether your favorite point guard has my three keys to success:
• Steve Nash: GM, PM
• Jason Kidd: GM, PM
• Tony Parker: GM, PM
• Chris Paul: GM, PM, FD
• Chauncey Billups: GM, PM, FD
• Deron Williams: GM, PM
• Rajon Rondo: PM
• Brandon Jennings: FD
• Mike Bibby: GM, PM
• Derrick Rose: FD
• Tyreke Evans: FD
• Baron Davis: GM, FD
• Devin Harris: FD
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