5 Point Guards from the 2010s that need Player Comparisons

2010s Point Guard Player Comparisons

Basketball Now and Then: The Greatest Comparisons is always trying to come up with new comparisons of current and former players. With that in mind, this article will be the first in a series of many to come, where the goal is to highlight players from certain positions and decades we have failed to come up with a comparison yet, and to suggest options among current and former decades to which we could do a comparison.

Taking all of that into account, we are going to start in the 2010s at the point guard position. There have been many Player Comparisons we've already seen from this decade, but let's lay out the ground rules. Players on this list must have played in at least 5 years of this decade, and they can't be used in future articles at different positions or decades. With the ground rules set, let's begin.

5. Ricky Rubio

   
   

Why?

Let's start with the fact that while Ricky Rubio may not be the flashiest name of the 2010s, he was one of the most consistent and for a longer stretch of time. Sure, players like Brandon Jennings and Jeremy Lin were considered bigger names and hit higher picks, but Rubio impacted winning more with his defense and playmaking and wasn't a one-trick pony.

In the 2016-17 season, Rubio averaged a career-high 9.1 assists, and in the 2013-14 season, he averaged a career-high 2.4 steals. Outside of making the All-Rookie team and placing second in Rookie of the Year voting, Rubio never earned any other accolades, but his consistent play elevated his teammates to having major impacts.

Who?

Now, how to compare him to is the tricky question. He's a hard player to compare among modern players because he never developed a consistently reliable 3-point shot. Taking that into account, below is a one current player and one former player comparison for Rubio.

• Current Player: Lonzo Ball

• Former Player: Maurice Cheeks

4. Eric Bledsoe

   
   

Why?

Among all the players on this list, Eric Bledsoe is easily the best two-way player on this list and was honestly underappreciated during the 2010s. With the nickname "mini-Lebron," Bledsoe was physically gifted like few point guards in the NBA, and it helped him to be a problem on both sides of the ball.

His best season came in the 2016-17 season, where he averaged 21.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, 6.3 assists, and 1.4 steals. He also earned two All-Defensive team honors during this decade as well. Probably what makes him underrated is the fact is that for the majority of his career and prime, he wasn't on winning teams.

Who?

With his strength and athleticism, there are only a handful of players among current NBA point guards who fit the mold for the Bledsoe player type. However, with a former player, there are more options.

Current Player: Jalen Suggs

Former Player: Baron Davis

3. Kemba Walker

   
   

Why?

Sadly, Kemba Walker was never truly appreciated during his prime. At his peak, he was a three-level scorer and had one of the better handles in the NBA. However, being stuck in Charlotte for almost all of the 2010s, save for one season in Boston, really hurt his reputation.

His best year came in the 2018-19 season, where he averaged 25.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and 1.2 steals. He also made four All-Star selections and one All-NBA selection in the 2010s. Besides being in Charlotte for a big chunk of his career, the other knock against Walker has been his ability to defend at 6-feet tall. However, that doesn't stop him from making this list.

Who?

There aren't that many point guards in today's game that stand at 6-feet tall; that being written, there are two comparisons that work for Walker.

Current Player: Immanuel Quickley

Former Player: Stephon Marbury

2. Goran Dragic

   
   

Why?

Goran Dragic is one of the more underrated players on this list due to the fact that he started off his career slowly and was one of the more well-traveled players on this list. But earning accolades with multiple teams is impressive to say the least.

With the Phoenix Suns, he was awarded the Most Improved Player award and made All-NBA that year during the 2013-14 season. He also made the All-Star game during the 2017-18 season with the Miami Heat. He also averaged 20 points per game in two separate seasons.

Who?

Besides being known as one of the few left-handed point guards in the league at the time, and having the nickname "The Dragon". He was also known for his two-way play at the position.

Current Player: D'Angelo Russell

Former Player: Sarunas Marciulionis

1. Isaiah Thomas

Why?

At his peak, the more recent Isaiah Thomas, not to be confused with the Detroit Pistons Isiah Thomas, was a Top-5 MVP finalist. There was a two-year run when he was a member of the Boston Celtics, where Thomas was a Top-10 player in the NBA; however, injuries derailed what could have been a Hall of Fame career.

In two and a half seasons with the Celtics, Thomas averaged 24.7 points and 6.0 assists. That's arguably the best average for anyone standing under 6-feet tall during that stretch of time. At 5-foot-9, Thomas caught the hearts of all NBA fans. For his accolades, he made the All-Rookie Team, had two All-Star appearances, and was named to one All-NBA.

Who?

Given Thomas' stature, it's nearly impossible to find a realistic modern-day comparison for Thomas. That being written, there is one that is a semi-fit.

Current Player: Payton Pritchard

Former Player: Calvin Murphy

Do you agree that these are the five point guards that we should be doing comparisons for in the 2010s? Do you like the comparisons offered for these players? Comment your thoughts and let us know if we should do a different player or different comparison.