Re: Re: Best point guards?

[JOzersky@aol.com]

Stockton defines the point, but I would have to take Payton as my number one
guy.  Point guard is traditionally a defensive specialist, since it is his
job to keep the ball from being advanced.  As magnificent as Stoudamire and
the even better Marbury are, I don't think they do the job on the other end
anywhere even in the same league as Payton.  Marbury is the most gifted young
point in the league, a living argument for Point guards being born, not made.
 His court vision, sense, and fluid moves are all geared to delivering the
ball; the other guys are quick athletic scorer/passers who with another five
or six inches would be versatile off guards or combo guards.   I think to
some extent this is even true of both Hardaways and even Payton.  Kidd
Stockton and Marbury are the exemplars of the "true" point, and it shouldn't
be held against any of them that they can score, because that is part of a
PG's job description as well.  But none can stand at the other end with "the
glove." 

Top five underrated point men:
Rod Strickland
Mark Jackson
Nick Van Exel
Kenny Anderson
and obviously, Terrell Brandon