(Photo Credit LJ World)
It seems like just yesterday I was hanging out with my buddies, collecting basketball cards, and screaming things like "I got a Jason Kidd game worn jersey card in this pack!" or "Check out my Steve Francis chrome rookie card!" Yes, it seems the wave of NBA stars from my childhood has passed us. The elite, and more specifically, exciting crop of NBA point guards no longer consists of guys like Jason Kidd, Steve Francis, Sam Cassell, Allen Iverson (yes, those technical fans out there remember he at one point was listed at PG), Mike Bibby, Baron Davis, Stephon Marbury, Chauncey Billups, Gary Payton, and Gilbert Arenas. Part of me has been sad to finally admit that these guys are either done or way past their prime. The other part of me, however, is incredibly excited for the years to come.
(Photo Credit Yahoo)
After watching Ricky Rubio play in person last night-still on a less than 100% healthy knee may I remind you-I began to think about the direction of the NBA is headed, specifically the point guard position. My level excitement immediately ROSE (pun absolutely intended). Watching Ricky Rubio play in person was an experience that any NBA fan could appreciate. From the tenacious defense, to the unbelievable passes, to the obvious will power that propels the kid to not give up, he is something special to see in person. I can't help but wonder "what if" he had a completely healthy knee along with a completely healthy Kevin Love and Nikola Pekovic, not to mention a healthy Chase Budinger? NBA gurus would have to agree that they could have made some noise this year with the leadership of Rubio at the helm.
(Photo Credit Sports Illustrated)
Think for a second, about all of the point guards in this league at the moment. Now, think of them a couple of years from now. Imagine the excitement! As an NBA fan in general, this thought thrills me. I can't wait to see a developed Kyrie Irving, John Wall, Damian Lillard, and Ricky Rubio. Exciting guys like Ty Lawson, Brandon Jennings, Jrue Holiday, and Steph Curry will be in the thick of their prime and should still be solid players. Will Shved get a gig elsewhere? He's sure shown a lot of promise as a rookie. And then there is the already established stars like Derrick Rose, Russell Westbrook, Rajon Rondo, and Chris Paul. How much better can D-Rose and Rondo get? Well, imagine if they developed a consistent jumper. Imagine if Russell Westbrook learned to make veteran decisions for his team. Chris Paul is as good as he'll be at this point, but should still be dominant in a few years too.
(Photo Credit Getty Images)
This group of point guards could end up being one of the great groups of the past century. Let's make sure we cherish it! This wasn't intended to be a factual, nor debatable article. This was simply a fan thinking out loud about the years to come. I hope I have instilled even more love for the NBA within your soul. I know I'm excited. Are you?
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