When I sat down to analyze the current landscape of NBA point guards, I couldn't help but draw parallels to that incredible PLDT comeback against Kobe Shinwa - sometimes the most dominant performances come from those who can weather storms and still execute when it matters most. That's exactly what separates good point guards from truly elite ones in today's game. The position has evolved so dramatically that we're now looking at players who aren't just floor generals but offensive engines capable of taking over games in multiple ways.
Right now, if you ask me to name the absolute best, Stephen Curry still sits atop that mountain for me. I know he's 35, but watching him still average 29.4 points per game while shooting 42.7% from three-point range last season tells you everything about his sustained excellence. What many people overlook is how his off-ball movement creates opportunities for everyone else - he's essentially redefined how the position can impact games without necessarily dominating possession. I've studied countless hours of game footage, and his conditioning at this age remains absolutely remarkable. The way he navigates screens and creates separation reminds me of that PLDT team's ability to mount comebacks - it's about persistence and knowing exactly when to strike.
Then there's Luka Dončić, who technically plays point guard though he's practically the Mavericks' entire offensive system. Averaging 32.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 8.0 assists last season is video game numbers, and I've argued with colleagues that he might be the most complete offensive player we've seen since LeBron. His basketball IQ is just different - he sees plays develop two steps ahead of everyone else. I remember watching him dismantle defenses last playoffs and thinking about how similar it was to watching PLDT methodically break down Kobe Shinwa's resistance. Both demonstrate that strategic patience combined with explosive execution.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's emergence has been breathtaking to witness. Going from a promising young guard to MVP conversations while putting up 31.4 points per game on 51% shooting? That's legendary stuff. His mid-range game is arguably the best in the league right now, and his ability to get to the rim at will reminds me of a young Dwyane Wade. What impresses me most is his poise - he never seems rushed, always playing at his own rhythm regardless of defensive pressure. It's that same composure we saw from PLDT when they needed to mount those critical comebacks in tight situations.
I have to mention Damian Lillard, even if his move to Milwaukee creates interesting questions about his role. His 32.2 points per game in Portland last season proved he's still among the most dangerous scorers from the point guard position. That 71-point game against Houston wasn't just scoring - it was masterful shot creation under pressure. Some analysts criticize his defense, but I've always believed offensive production at his level more than compensates. Watching him close out games reminds me of those PLDT comebacks - when everything's on the line, you want the ball in his hands.
The younger generation is pushing the envelope too. Ja Morant, despite his off-court issues, remains one of the most explosive athletes I've ever seen at the position. His 26.2 points and 8.1 assists per game last season don't fully capture how he transforms Memphis' offense. Then there's Trae Young, who averaged 26.2 points and 10.2 assists - the only player besides Luka to average 25+ points and 10+ assists last season. His deep range shooting forces defenses to adjust in ways we've rarely seen before.
What fascinates me about today's elite point guards is how they've absorbed lessons from different eras while adding new dimensions. They're score-first like the modern tradition suggests, but they also orchestrate offenses with the wisdom of traditional floor generals. The PLDT comebacks demonstrated that winning requires both strategic patience and explosive capability - exactly what these top point guards provide their teams. They control tempo, identify mismatches, and most importantly, they deliver when games are on the line.
Looking at the landscape, I'd argue we're in a golden age for point guards. The diversity of skills and styles means there's no single blueprint for success anymore. Curry's shooting, Luka's creation, Shai's efficiency, Dame's clutch gene - they all bring something unique to the position. What ties them together is that same comeback mentality we saw in that PLDT match: the understanding that great players adapt, overcome, and ultimately dictate outcomes. As the new season approaches, I'm most excited to see how these exceptional talents continue to evolve the most important position in basketball.
