In a weird way, sports are evolving in exactly the opposite way of the rest of the American civilization.
According to the National Center for Health Statistics, the average height for an adult male in the United States is 5’9 and weighs 189.8 pounds.
In sports, the average athlete is getting smaller and sleeker.
Take a look at defensive linemen. Sure there are still some monsters out there, just a quick glance at Vince Wilfork and you’ll see an actual giant. Wilfork, a defensive end for the New England Patriots, may be the last of a dying breed of huge defensive linemen.
Vince Wilfork might be one of the last great fat guys to play defense.
Now, teams are looking for sleeker, speedy players who can rush the quarterback or drop back and help in pass protections.
Amazingly, Denver’s Elvis Dumervil, the NFL leader in sacks, is 5’11 and weighs 248 pounds. Robert Mathis, a standout lineman for the Colts, is 6’2 and weighs 245 pounds.
These two are prime examples of how the league is emphasizing speed and agility instead of just getting huge guys to battle with offensive linemen.
Pitchers are usually tall, which enables them to generate more velocity on pitches. During the 2009 seasons, the Cy Young Award winners in both leagues lack in the height department.
Kansas City’s Zack Greinke was the American Leagues top pitcher standing at 6’2 and San Francisco’s Tim Lincecum captured the award for the National League for the second consecutive year standing at 5’11.
Basketball is no different.
When the NBA first started, the games were dominated by centers. George Mikan was the leagues first superstar and ushered in a golden era for big men that lasted until the late 1970s.
Believe it or not, George Mikan dominated the NBA as much as Shaquille O'Neal and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar did.
After Mikan, Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Willis Reed, Bill Walton and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar thrived throughout the league, and then Julius Erving changed the game.
The high-flying small forward used speed and his amazing athletic ability to make the NBA entertaining and give smaller players their due.
Standing 6’7, Erving was able to dominate on both ends of the court because of his incredible hops and his play above the rim paved the way for Michael Jordan to become dominant.
Julius Erving would have been an internet legend if it existed during his prime.
Joining Erving as the great small forwards from the 1970s and 80s were Larry Bird, John Havlicek, Rick Barry, Alex English, Bernard King, Dominique Wilkins, Adrian Dantley and James Worthy.
Then in 1984, Michael Jordan came along, teamed with one of the best small forwards of all-time, Scottie Pippen, and essentially proved centers weren’t necessary for dominant teams.
Michael Jordan changed how NBA rosters are constructed.
What’s even crazier about Jordan’s career was he dominated big men when some of the best centers the game has ever seen were playing: Hakeem Olajuwon, Patrick Ewing and David Robinson were in their primes and he faced the likes of Shaquille O’Neal, Robert Parrish and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar when he was winning titles.
Upon his retirement, teams began switching their philosophies on how to build successful teams.
When the league relaxed its rules on hand checking, it allowed point guards to attack the rim with ease and become the focal point of the offense more than ever.
Basically, the point guard has become the most dominant position on the court. It’s a good thing because the league is exciting again.
The best part of the NBA in 2009 is the amount of talented point guards throughout the league. It’s easily the deepest position and we’re in the midst of a golden age for the point guard.
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What does all of this mean? It’s time to rank the starting point guard for each team throughout the league, of course. Thirty teams and 30 point guards, here we go.
30. Chris Duhon- New York Knicks
As basically a sitting duck, Duhon is a decent NBA player, he just shouldn’t be a starting point guard. With an inconsistent jumper and a knack for turning the ball over in key situations, Duhon is out of New York after this season and will land on another team, but as a reserve.
29. T.J. Ford- Indiana Pacers
It’s unfair to be too critical of Ford, his blazing speed and leaping ability have been taken away after a series of injuries. Ford still has an amazing handle and has shown flashes of being a dominant scorer in Indiana, but is so fragile it hurts his effectiveness.
28. Beno Udrih- Sacramento Kings
Udrih showed flashes while he was with the San Antonio Spurs but after joining the Kings, he has been buried in obscurity. Sacramento is rarely on television, but Udrih hasn’t been lighting it up too much. Look out for backup Sergio Rodriguez to push Udrih.
27. Raymond Felton- Charlotte Bobcats
Felton is a good player but only has a starting job because coach Larry Brown is still grooming D.J. Augustin as his point guard of the future. Felton is great at finding open teammates but needs a more consistent jumper to hold off Augustin.
26. Mike Conley- Memphis Grizzlies
Conley hasn’t lived up to expectations. He’s an effective guard and has made progress during his young career. As a former number 4 overall selection, the Grizzlies patience might be running out, that’s why they tried the Allen Iverson experiment.
25. Derek Fisher- Los Angeles Lakers
An exceptional post season performer, Fisher is entering the twilight of his career. The Lakers are sticking with Fisher, who still has a deadly jumper but little else. Look out for Shannon Brown as the point guard of the future in Los Angeles.
24. Jonny Flynn- Minnesota Timberwolves
Flynn is an explosive scorer and once his handle and decision making match his shooting ability, he will be much higher on this list. Surprisingly the starter after the team brought in Ramon Sessions, Flynn has time to develop and a quality backup should he stumble.
23. Mario Chalmers- Miami Heat
Two years ago Miami got the steal of the draft when Chalmers landed to them in the second round. Chalmers is a lock-down perimeter defender and can shoot from anywhere on the floor. Pair him with Dwyane Wade and Miami has its back court set.
22. Stephen Curry- Golden State Warriors
Armed with a beautiful jump shot, teams were scrambling to land Curry in last years draft. Through the first three months of the NBA season, Curry has been impressive with his decision making and distribution. Curry should be an All-Star in the upcoming years.
21. Steve Blake- Portland Trail Blazers
Ever since he’s been in the league, Blake has been under-appreciated. He passes well, can knock down shots from anywhere on the floor and protects the ball well. Blake is the first point guard to be promoted to starter this season, taking over for Andre Miller.
20. Louis Williams- Philadelphia 76ers
One of the biggest surprises of the young season has been the improved play of Williams. Even though he’s out with a broken jaw, Williams has been impressive. He has turned into a true point guard, passing better than expected and still packs a scoring punch. If he ever develops a consistent three-point shot, he could be a star.
19. Mo Williams- Cleveland Cavaliers
How deep is the point guard position? Williams was an All-Star last season and I have him barely cracking the top 20 point guards the entire league. Williams has been a solid addition for Cleveland but needs to improve defensively during the playoffs.
18. Jameer Nelson- Orlando Magic
Nelson is an effective player, no doubt, when he’s on the court. Nelson is expected to miss four to six weeks following yet another knee surgery. If he could log consistent playing time, he’d be higher on this list.
17. Rodney Stuckey- Detroit Pistons
The high scoring guard has become the focal point of the Pistons offense. Detroit saw enough promise in Stuckey that they moved Chauncey Billups to free up playing time for him. If he can distribute the ball better, he could be a perennial All-Star.
16. Baron Davis- Los Angeles Clippers
A few years ago it would have been a great injustice to have him ranked this low. But that’s what becoming a Clipper will do to people, just drain the life out of them. An all around talent, Davis can light up the scoreboard on any given night.
15. Aaron Brooks- Houston Rockets
Last season against the Lakers in the playoffs, Brooks established himself as a rising star. With injuries to Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady, Brooks has elevated his game and kept the Rockets in contention simply by being the fastest player in the NBA.
14. Jose Calderon- Toronto Raptors
As one of the best pure point guards in the league, Calderon is orchestrating the Raptors offense to perfection. Among the league leaders in assists the past two seasons, Calderon has a nice jumper and excellent defensive ability to round out his game.
13. Mike Bibby- Atlanta Hawks
The second Bibby landed in Atlanta, the Hawks went from borderline playoff team to post season threat and are now among the elite franchises in the NBA. Bibby has the pedigree for winning, capturing the 1997 NCAA Championship while at Arizona.
12. Brandon Jennings- Milwaukee Bucks
Not since Magic Johnson has a point guard turned around an entire franchises fortunes so quickly. The Bucks selected the lefty point guard 10th overall and he has been the steal of the draft. Jennings is an explosive scorer and will be a household name soon enough.
11. Russell Westbrook- Oklahoma City Thunder
Sure his team is never on national television, but soon enough, Westbrook will join teammate Kevin Durant in the NBA’s spotlight. Westbrook is talented enough to lead the team but has the fortune of developing with the rest of the young roster.
10. Rajon Rondo- Boston Celtics
Last postseason, Rondo was a triple-double waiting to happen. His scoring is down with the return of Kevin Garnett, but make no mistake, Rondo can take over any game, offensively or defensively when he deems it necessary.
9. Derrick Rose- Chicago Bulls
Rose has all the talents necessary to become one of the best point guards the NBA has ever seen. Blessed with exceptional hops and intense focus on the defensive end, Rose serves as the cornerstone of the Bulls franchise.
8. Jason Kidd- Dallas Mavericks
Sure he’s lost a step, so Kidd morphed into a long range specialist. Still possessing the best vision in the league, no one sets up teammates better than him, Kidd is still an elite point guard after 15 seasons in the league.
7. Devin Harris- New Jersey Nets
Arguably the best point guard in the Eastern Conference, Harris earned his first All-Star selection a year ago and should be an annual addition to the squad. Harris can distribute the ball and has a silky smooth jumper forcing defenders to key on him.
6. Gilbert Arenas- Washington Wizards
The best scoring point guard in the entire NBA, Arenas is finally healthy following three knee surgeries. For the past two seasons, Agent Zero has been a staple on the bench and the league was lacking because of it. Good to have him back on the court.
5. Tony Parker- San Antonio Spurs
The master of the tear drop shot and basically any running jump shot in traffic, Parker has become the most pesky point guard in the league. Parker can take the ball from basket to basket as fast as anyone and will spot open teammates with ease.
4. Deron Williams- Utah Jazz
Because of his body size, Williams will always have an advantage on the offensive end because he can post up anyone trying to defend him. Williams is a gifted defender, terrific passer and one of the best players to watch on a nightly basis.
3. Chauncey Billups- Denver Nuggets
No point guard in the NBA is as complete as Billups. He has proven he can step up in crunch time, has nailed tons of clutch shots, is a beast on the defensive end and makes all of his teammates better. The Nuggets will be an elite team as long as he’s on the court.
2. Steve Nash- Phoenix Suns
As the only point guard not named Magic Johnson to win consecutive MVPs, Nash is an offensive force who is nearly impossible to defend. Nash doesn’t find open teammates, his exceptional passing makes teammates become open.
1. Chris Paul- New Orleans Hornets
This guy can do it all. From dunking on Dwight Howard to leading the NBA in assists and steals for the past two seasons, Paul will establish himself among the greatest point guards of all-time. New Orleans is a contender simply because of his presence.
