Malcolm Brogdon, a veteran NBA point guard and recent Knicks roster competitor, has unexpectedly retired just a week before the NBA season begins, leaving the team without a backup point guard behind Jalen Brunson.
The Houston Rockets face a significant challenge after Fred VanVleet's ACL injury, which impacts their playmaking and defense. The team may rely more on players like Reed Sheppard, Amen Thompson, and Alperen Sengun to fill the void, with a possible committee approach rather than a single replacement, while also considering strategic adjustments to maintain their competitive edge.
Chris Paul is returning to the Los Angeles Clippers for his 21st NBA season, signing a veteran's minimum deal to join the team as a reserve point guard, bringing veteran leadership and experience to the squad.
Spencer Dinwiddie has agreed to a one-year deal with the Charlotte Hornets, likely a veteran's minimum, adding backcourt depth to a team that lacked experienced point guards besides LaMelo Ball. Dinwiddie, 32, had a solid season with the Mavericks and will now join the Hornets as they explore veteran options after considering other targets like Chris Paul.
The Miami Heat selected Illinois point guard Kasparas Jakucionis in the NBA draft, a player praised for his size, playmaking, and passing skills, though concerns about his shooting consistency and turnovers remain. Analysts see potential in his development, especially as a secondary ballhandler and shooter, with some noting his slide in the draft from earlier projections.
The Sacramento Kings are actively involved in trade rumors and roster adjustments, with a focus on acquiring a point guard and frontcourt players, especially after Kevin Durant's trade to the Houston Rockets. The team is exploring options involving several star players and free agents, but no concrete deals have been finalized yet, and much of the market activity remains uncertain as draft day approaches.
Portland Trail Blazers rookie Scoot Henderson, the third-overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, has faced challenges in his rookie season, particularly in scoring and adapting to the NBA level. While he has shown potential in assists, his lack of scoring prowess and shooting efficiency have made it difficult for him to make a significant impact. However, there is optimism that with practice and development, he can improve his scoring skills and become a valuable asset for the team in the future.
Tyler Kolek's standout performance with 27 points, 13 assists, and seven rebounds in Marquette's win over St. John's has sparked discussions about him being the best point guard in college basketball. His masterful play helped Marquette secure a 86-75 victory, extending their winning streak to seven games. Kolek's exceptional second-half performance, including impressive assists and scoring, showcased his impact on the game and his potential for Big East player of the year.
The Minnesota Timberwolves have traded for point guard Monté Morris from the Detroit Pistons in exchange for Shake Milton, Troy Brown Jr., and a 2030 second-round pick. The move aims to bolster the team's struggling offense, with Morris bringing his outside shooting prowess and playoff experience to the Wolves. The trade addresses the need for a reliable playmaker in the backcourt and provides depth behind veteran point guard Mike Conley. Morris, known for his ball-handling skills and low turnover rate, is expected to make a positive impact on the team's performance.
The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly seeking a point guard upgrade and have shown interest in Washington Wizards' Tyus Jones and Utah Jazz's Collin Sexton as potential targets. Sexton has excelled with the Jazz, while Jones, on an expiring contract, could provide all-around floor leadership. The Lakers have struggled at the point guard position this season, and with a subpar offense, they are exploring options to bolster their roster before the trade deadline, considering both big-name and more affordable options.
Tamin Lipsey, the sophomore point guard for Iowa State, set a new single-game steal record with eight steals in his team's 107-56 win over Prairie View A&M. Along with his record-breaking steals, Lipsey contributed 19 points, five assists, and four rebounds. Coach T.J. Otzelberger praised Lipsey's instincts and expects him to continue breaking records. Lipsey's performance highlights his importance to the team, as he consistently shines in multiple areas. Iowa State will face Florida A&M next week.
Tyrese Haliburton, the point guard for the Indiana Pacers, has defied expectations and become one of the NBA's best players. Despite being overlooked in high school and having an unorthodox game, Haliburton has excelled as a connector and primary creator for the Pacers. He combines the instincts of traditional point guards with the size and skill demanded by the modern game. With Haliburton leading the way, the Pacers have the highest team offensive rating of all time and are showcasing the power of a "pure" point guard.
Devin Booker's career-high 15 assists led the Phoenix Suns to a 131-128 victory over the Utah Jazz, marking their first win in the in-season tournament. Booker's exceptional performance as the team's point guard showcased his growth and development, as he orchestrated the offense with precision and contributed 24 points. Despite defensive lapses, Kevin Durant's impressive display of 38 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists helped secure the win. The Suns' victory puts them at a 6-6 record, while the Jazz fall to 4-8.
Despite a strong shooting performance from Dayton, Northwestern sealed a 71-66 victory in their college basketball matchup. Dayton coach Anthony Grant identified Northwestern's 11-0 run at the end of the first half, their success on offensive rebounds, and Dayton's turnovers as key factors in the loss. However, Dayton showcased their ability to shoot the three-pointer, making 12 of 23 attempts. Javon Bennett stepped up as the new starting point guard after Malachi Smith's injury, and junior forward DaRon Holmes played impressively. Dayton's road struggles in non-conference games continue, as they are now 0-8 in such games over the past seven seasons.
Utah Jazz rookie Keyonte George showed promise in the team's opening night game, despite not being the starting point guard. Coach Will Hardy explained that George's pairing with Jordan Clarkson was a good fit, as Clarkson provides a second threat offensively. However, the starting lineup struggled in their limited minutes together. Hardy also highlighted the benefit of having veteran Kris Dunn paired with George and Collin Sexton in the second unit. The Jazz lack a clear No. 1 option at point guard, with all three players prone to isolation basketball and high turnover rates. While George is seen as the team's point guard of the future, the coaching staff believes in gradually giving him more minutes to develop his game. George's strong performance off the bench earned him more playing time, and his style of play could lead to increased minutes in the future.