All articles tagged with #point guards
The 2025 NBA free agency features a strong point guard class led by James Harden, Kyrie Irving, and Fred VanVleet, with various tiers of players offering different value and contract options, while the market remains relatively stable for top-tier talent.
The trade of Kyle Lowry to the Charlotte Hornets has set a new benchmark for backcourt playmakers, with the market now valuing point guards at least a first-round pick. Teams like the Lakers, Sixers, and Hawks are actively seeking point guard reinforcements, with Dejounte Murray and Malcolm Brogdon among the top targets. The Utah Jazz are considering both buying and selling point guards, while the New Orleans Pelicans and Orlando Magic are expected to be buyers in the point guard market.
Auburn's guards, Aden Holloway and Tre Donaldson, stole the show in their 91-75 win against USC, overshadowing the NBA prospects Bronny James and Isaiah Collier. Holloway showcased his shooting skills, hitting 3-pointers and breaking out of a shooting slump, while Donaldson provided steady play off the bench. Auburn's point guard duo has been instrumental in the team's recent success, combining for 78 points, 25 assists, and only two turnovers in the past three games. Their ability to run the offense and take care of the ball has positioned Auburn as a strong contender with elite point guard play.
The Milwaukee Bucks secured a thrilling 92-85 victory over the Denver Nuggets in the NBA Summer League. MarJon Beauchamp struggled in the first half but turned things around in the second half, finishing with 23 points. Point guards Nico Mannion and Jazian Gortman impressed, potentially vying for the backup point guard role. Andre Jackson Jr. showcased his playmaking skills with six assists, while Chris Livingston displayed hustle and tenacity with six rebounds. Tyler Cook also had a solid performance off the bench. The Bucks will face the Phoenix Suns next.
The Boston Celtics have continued their tradition of blindsiding fan-favorite point guards with trades, as they did to Marcus Smart in 2023, six years after trading Isaiah Thomas. Smart revealed that he was shocked to learn about the trade in the middle of the night, despite being told a week prior that he was safe. This pattern of trading beloved players has left fans disappointed and questioning the organization's approach.
The Phoenix Suns are exploring trades and other options for waiving Chris Paul, while also considering several point guard options including Immanuel Quickley, Payton Pritchard, Davion Mitchell, Monte Morris, and Gabe Vincent. The Suns have moved on from Terry Rozier III and only Vincent is a free agent, while the rest would need to be acquired via trade.
The Phoenix Suns' decision on whether to waive or retain Chris Paul could have a major impact on the NBA free-agent market, particularly for point guards. The Suns have explored potential backcourt additions before the trade deadline, but most premium options to replace Paul are either unattainable or could command well above the full mid-level exception. If Paul is waived, he could still fetch parts of, if not the full mid-level from various teams on the open market. Several assistant coaches are also expected to follow Monty Williams to Detroit.
Michigan State and Kansas State, two teams that weren't projected to make it this far, will face off in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. Michigan State will need to shut down high-scoring point guard Markquis Nowell to advance, while Kansas State will have to contend with Michigan State's strong backcourt play. Both teams have exceeded expectations this season and are looking to continue their success in the tournament.
New York City point guards Tyson Walker and Markquis Nowell will lead their respective teams, Michigan State and Kansas State, into a Sweet 16 matchup at Madison Square Garden in the NCAA Tournament. Both guards played key roles in getting their teams to New York this week, and have similar journeys as undersized players who started their careers at smaller colleges before breaking into the high major level. The similarities between the two go beyond NCAA Tournament heroics, as they played against each other in the New York Catholic League in high school.