Last Updated on: 19th September 2023, 12:02 am
When the COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc on the NBA season, teams were forced to adapt quickly to roster changes and player absences. One position that has become increasingly important is backup point guard. These versatile players can stabilize an offense and provide a much-needed defensive boost, making them valuable assets to any team.
To highlight the top five best backup point guards in the league, this article will consider players who have played in at least 30 games this season with fewer than 15 starts. These players have proven their ability to be reliable and consistent despite not being starters. Additionally, they have shown versatility by playing multiple positions when called upon.
With so many injuries and illnesses affecting rosters this season, having a strong backup point guard can make all the difference in a team’s success.
Eric Bledsoe
Eric Bledsoe’s experience and defensive prowess make him a valuable asset for any team in need of depth at the ball-handling position. The 11-year veteran has played for four different teams, averaging 14.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game throughout his career. Bledsoe is known for his quick hands on defense, averaging 1.4 steals per game over his career.
In addition to his defensive skills, Bledsoe is also a capable scorer and playmaker. He’s shown an ability to get to the rim and finish through contact and knock down shots from beyond the arc when given space. With the ability to play both point guard and shooting guard positions, Bledsoe can provide versatility off the bench for any team needing a reliable backup ball-handler who can contribute on both ends of the floor.
Goran Dragic is another experienced point guard who’s proven one of the league’s best backup options in recent years.
Goran Dragic
You can’t talk about reliable depth at the point guard position without mentioning Goran Dragic. The veteran playmaker brings a steady hand and championship experience to any second-unit offense. Despite being in the twilight of his career, Dragic has shown he still has some gas left in the tank, averaging 10.8 points and 4.9 assists per game this season for the Miami Heat.
Here are three reasons why Dragic is one of the best backup point guards in the league:
1) Versatility: Dragic’s ability to play both on and off-ball makes him a valuable asset for any team. He can run an offense as a traditional point guard or slide over to shooting guard and play alongside another ball-handler.
2) Playoff Experience: The Slovenian guard has made four trips to the playoffs throughout his career, including reaching the NBA Finals with Miami in 2020. His experience in high-pressure situations could prove invaluable for a contender looking to make a deep postseason run.
3) Leadership: Dragic’s leadership qualities extend beyond just his on-court performance. He’s known for taking younger players under his wing and helping them develop their games, making him an ideal mentor for any team’s young guards.
As we move onto our next topic about Derrick Rose, it’s worth noting that while Rose may have had more explosive moments than Dragic throughout their careers, there’s no denying that both players bring unique skill sets and experiences to their respective teams’ second units.
Derrick Rose
With his impressive scoring ability and veteran presence, Derrick Rose has solidified himself as a valuable asset for any team’s backcourt. Since being traded to the New York Knicks in 2018, Rose has provided consistent production off the bench, averaging 14.9 points and 4.2 assists per game during his time in New York.
His scoring ability was on full display during the Knicks’ first-round playoff series against the Atlanta Hawks where he averaged 19.4 points per game. Rose’s leadership and experience have also been valuable for young teams like the Detroit Pistons and Minnesota Timberwolves.
He mentored younger players like Killian Hayes and Anthony Edwards, helping them develop their games and adjust to life in the NBA. With his combination of scoring ability, leadership, and experience, Derrick Rose is undoubtedly one of the best backup point guards in the league today.
Transitioning into the subsequent section about Reggie Jackson, it’s worth noting that while Jackson may not have the same level of veteran experience as Rose, he’s proven to be a reliable backup point guard for both the Detroit Pistons and Los Angeles Clippers.
Reggie Jackson
As you read about Reggie Jackson, you’ll see how his consistency and versatility make him a valuable asset to any team’s backcourt. Since joining the Los Angeles Clippers, Jackson has emerged as one of the best backup point guards in the league. He’s averaging 11.1 points and 3.4 assists per game while shooting an impressive 42.5 percent from beyond the arc.
Jackson’s ability to play both on and off-ball makes him so valuable. He can run the offense when needed or spot up for three-pointers when playing alongside players like Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. His leadership and experience also stabilize a Clippers team with championship aspirations.
With Jackson on their bench, the Clippers have a reliable option at point guard no matter who’s starting or who’s available due to injuries or COVID-19 protocols.
Transitioning into the subsequent section about Tomas Satoransky, it’s important to note that he too possesses many of these same qualities that make him a top backup point guard in the NBA.
Tomas Satoransky
If you’re looking for a versatile guard who can play both on and off-ball, Tomas Satoransky should be on your radar. The 6-foot-7 Czech Republic native has been a steady contributor for the Chicago Bulls this season, averaging 8.3 points, 4.5 assists, and 2.8 rebounds per game while shooting nearly 40 percent from beyond the arc.
What makes Satoransky such an invaluable asset to any team is his experience and leadership. He’s played professionally in Europe for over a decade before coming to the NBA in 2016. His ability to run an offense and make good decisions with the ball in his hands can’t be taught. Additionally, he brings a level of poise and calmness to the court that can help settle down younger players or those who may be overwhelmed in high-pressure situations.
Overall, Satoransky is exactly the type of backup point guard that championship-caliber teams need on their roster.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the NBA lacks talented backup point guards who can step up when their team needs them the most. Eric Bledsoe, Goran Dragic, Derrick Rose, Reggie Jackson, and Tomas Satoransky have all proved themselves reliable assets to their respective teams this season.
With COVID-19-related absences and roster uncertainties plaguing the league, having a dependable backup point guard is more important than ever.
As the playoff race heats up and teams jockey for position in their respective conferences, these five players will undoubtedly play crucial roles in determining which teams come out on top.
Whether it’s providing an offensive spark off the bench or locking down opposing ball-handlers with tenacious defense, these backup point guards can make game-changing contributions that could ultimately decide the fate of their team’s season.
So as fans continue to tune in to see which NBA teams will emerge victorious this season, they can rest assured knowing that Eric Bledsoe, Goran Dragic, Derrick Rose, Reggie Jackson, and Tomas Satoransky are all ready and willing to do whatever it takes to help their team win.
It’s anyone’s guess as to which player will make the biggest impact down the stretch but one thing is for certain – these five backup point guards are worth keeping an eye on as we head towards the postseason.
