Rashidi's NBA 2K16 Point Guard Ratings & Analysis

With NBA 2K17 just over the horizon, I've decided to dust myself off and offer my take on the state of NBA 2K's player ratings.

About a year and a half ago, I fell out of not just the roster scene but video games altogether.  I took a job that prevented me from watching basketball anywhere near as much as I'd like to.  When I wasn't working, I found myself out of the house, spending my days and nights playing Magic: The Gathering in various card/comic shops across NYC.  Almost overnight, I found myself more and more removed from the game of basketball, a sport I loved and followed for 20 years.

I also found my presence in the community to be mostly unnecessary.  Mike Stauffer took the NBA 2K roster editing position I had been angling/pining for the better part of a decade, and he didn't look back.  He's done of a heck of a job making the need for my voice largely irrelevant.  The 2K rosters are significantly cleaner and there is a clear ideology set in place.  The rosters aren't perfect (they never will be irrespective of who is in charge), but the various nitpicks are mostly due to a lack of time/labor hours given what 2K Sports is asking of him.

In a lot of respects, I have a unique take on the roster process.  Some have called me the grandfather of roster editing.  I'm the original NBA 2K roster editor, and it took years for anyone to get up to my level.  I sold my roster files on memory cards to make a buck in college - there are very few people who can say they pulled a profit from this particular hobby.  My historical and technical knowledge of 2K's rating/attribute history over the last 15 years is unparalleled by any amateur, and there are people who started tinkering with this game long after I did who now have jobs within the company.  It's not all roses though - while I've been doing this longer than anyone else, my editing process is largely outdated and I'm too stubborn to learn the modern editing tools that might make my life easier (and actually produce a roster file).  Just like Grandpa, except 40 years younger.

Overall, I'm largely content to let others get their time in the limelight.  The torch passed a few years ago and I have no desire to take it back.  I have fond memories of the people I met and the opportunities I generated from just sitting in front of a computer screen, forgetting about my day-to-day life, and just focusing in-depth on basketball...  So much so, that having found some free-time, I decided to give it a go, for old-time's sake.  For the younger generation, this is what Vintage Rashidi was all about.

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I edited the ratings for all 30 projected starting point guards for the 2016-17 season.  The listed difference is from the final NBA 2K16 roster.  They will be sorted by Overall in this checklist's order.

Questions about attribute decisions are welcome, and I will do my best to explain the reasoning.  There are certainly some that may not make sense but do have statistical basis (for example, a player's defensive effectiveness can vary from year-to-year based on a number of factors).  As usual, I use 2K's own formulas and scales wherever possible, and am extremely limited in my bias thanks to the cold, hard nature of numbers.

Collectively, these 30 players dropped 37 points in Overall rating.  This is mainly due to the 2K formula weighting "Draw Foul" too heavily.  Most PGs are simply rated too highly here.

1-10
92 (NC) Chris Paul (LAC): All-Around Superstar
91 (-5) Stephen Curry (GSW): Offensive Superstar
91 (-4) Russell Westbrook (OKC): Offensive Superstar
87 (+1) Kyle Lowry (TOR): All-Around Superstar
87 (-2) John Wall (WAS): Offensive Superstar
86 (-3) Damian Lillard (POR): Athletic Playmaker
85 (-1) Eric Bledsoe (PHX): All-Around Star
83 (-3) Isaiah Thomas (BOS): Playmaker
83 (-1) Kemba Walker (CHA): All-Around Point Guard
83 (NC) Reggie Jackson (DET): Offensive-Minded Point
11-20
83 (-5) Kyrie Irving (CLE): Scoring Machine
82 (-1) Mike Conley (MEM): All-Around Point Guard
81 (+2) Ricky Rubio (MIN): Crafty Playmaker
81 (+1) Darren Collison (SAC): Sharpshooter
80 (-2) Jrue Holiday (NOP): Playmaker
80 (-3) Rajon Rondo (CHI): All-Around Star
80 (+1) Tony Parker (SAS): Scoring Machine
79 (NC) Jeff Teague (IND): All-Around Point Guard
79 (-1) Goran Dragic (MIA): Crafty Finisher
79 (NC) Dennis Schroder (ATL): All-Around Point Guard
21-30
78 (NC) Deron Williams (DAL): All-Around Point Guard
77 (+1) Michael Carter-Williams (MIL): Crafty All-Around Point
77 (+1) George Hill (UTA): All-Around Point Guard
75 (-5) Derrick Rose (CHI): Offensive-Minded Point
75 (NC) Elfrid Payton (ORL): All-Around Point Guard
75 (-1) Jeremy Lin (BKN): All-Around Point Guard
75 (-1) Patrick Beverley (HOU): All-Around Point Guard
74 (-1) Emmanuel Mudiay (DEN): Pass-First Point
73 (-4) D'Angelo Russell (LAL): Offensive-Minded Point
73 (-1) Jerryd Bayless (PHI): Reliable Playmaker

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Chris Paul (PG)

All-Around Superstar

92 Overall

OFFENSE

82 Standing Layup (-13)

95 Driving Layup (-1)

70 Post Fade (+15)

45 Post Hook (+5)

65 Post Control (+17)

59 Draw Foul (-21)

99 Standing Close (+2)

99 Moving Close (+2)

89 Standing Mid

89 Moving Mid

83 Standing 3pt (+1)

83 Moving 3pt (+1)

90 Free Throw

99 Ball Control (+6)

99 Pass Vision (+1)

99 Pass IQ (+1)

99 Pass Accuracy (+1)

34 Offensive Rebound (+1)

25 Standing Dunk

35 Driving Dunk (+8)

25 Contact Dunk

99 Shot IQ (+1)

99 Hands (+7)

DEFENSE

55 Defensive Rebound (+1)

39 Block (+4)

80 Shot Contest (-2)

89 Steal (+2)

90 On-Ball Defense (+5)

45 Low Post Defense (-25)

95 Reaction Time (+17)

ATHLETICISM

55 Boxout (+5)

92 Lateral Quickness

81 Speed

85 Acceleration

75 Vertical (-3)

60 Strength (+2)

88 Stamina (-9)

95 Hustle

85 Durability (-5)

INTANGIBLES

95 Pass Perception (+7)

80 Defensive Consistency (-5)

85 Pick &Roll Defense (-1)

85 Help Defense (+3)

99 Offensive Consistency (+1)

99 Emotion

95 Potential (+3)

2017 OUTLOOK Paul ranks 2nd among active players in career PER (behind LeBron James), and 6th all-time. He has the 2nd best assist rate in history behind John Stockton. It goes without saying that he's going to run a championship caliber offense until the wheels fall off.

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Stephen Curry (PG)
Offensive Superstar
91 Overall (-5)



OFFENSE
90 Standing Layup (-8)
99 Driving Layup (+2)
65 Post Fade (+13)
45 Post Hook (+10)
45 Post Control (+10)
50 Draw Foul (-42)
86 Standing Close (-8)
86 Moving Close (-7)
89 Standing Mid (-4)
89 Moving Mid (-3)
95 Standing 3pt (-4)
95 Moving 3pt (-2)
91 Free Throw (+1)
95 Ball Control (-3)
82 Pass Vision (-9)
93 Pass IQ (-5)
88 Pass Accuracy (-10)
40 Offensive Rebound (+4)
25 Standing Dunk
45 Driving Dunk (+9)
30 Contact Dunk (+5)
99 Shot IQ (+1)
99 Hands (+1)

DEFENSE
59 Defensive Rebound (-2)
39 Block (+2)
70 Shot Contest (-12)
88 Steal (+2)
85 On-Ball Defense (+7)
55 Low Post Defense (+25)
95 Reaction Time (-2)

ATHLETICISM
59 Boxout (-5)
78 Lateral Quickness
89 Speed
96 Acceleration
75 Vertical (+2)
50 Strength (+2)
89 Stamina (-9)
95 Hustle (-3)
95 Durability (+2)

INTANGIBLES
95 Pass Perception
70 Defensive Consistency (-5)
85 Pick &Roll Defense (+3)
85 Help Defense (+1)
99 Offensive Consistency (+1)
99 Emotion
99 Potential (+3)

2017 OUTLOOK
Curry had the best regular season of any point guard, ever.  Injuries affected him in the playoffs, but he should be at full strength entering the season.  While the presence of Kevin Durant should lighten his load, it's reasonable to expect a dent in Curry's offensive efficiency as they figure things out.

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Russell Westbrook (PG)
Offensive Superstar (from All-Around Superstar)
91 Overall (-4)



OFFENSE
82 Standing Layup (-15)
99 Driving Layup (+2)
65 Post Fade (-11)
45 Post Hook
70 Post Control (+1)
79 Draw Foul (-15)
80 Standing Close (-5)
80 Moving Close (-6)
85 Standing Mid
85 Moving Mid (+1)
76 Standing 3pt
76 Moving 3pt (+1)
81 Free Throw (-3)
95 Ball Control (+1)
99 Pass Vision (+2)
95 Pass IQ (-2)
95 Pass Accuracy (-2)
55 Offensive Rebound (-5)
30 Standing Dunk
80 Driving Dunk (-10)
35 Contact Dunk
99 Shot IQ (+1)
99 Hands (+1)

DEFENSE
70 Defensive Rebound (-8)
41 Block (+4)
80 Shot Contest (-8)
86 Steal (-2)
80 On-Ball Defense (-8)
60 Low Post Defense (+18)
95 Reaction Time (+1)

ATHLETICISM
70 Boxout (-12)
89 Lateral Quickness
98 Speed
97 Acceleration
85 Vertical
75 Strength (+1)
92 Stamina (-6)
95 Hustle (-3)
95 Durability

INTANGIBLES
90 Pass Perception (-2)
65 Defensive Consistency (-25)
80 Pick &Roll Defense (-4)
55 Help Defense (-31)
99 Offensive Consistency (+1)
99 Emotion
95 Potential

2017 OUTLOOK
With Durant in the rear view mirror, Westbrook is poised for an absurd statistical season, akin to 2015 when he had the highest Usage rate in NBA history.   He is the overwhelming favorite to lead the league in scoring - whether that translates to a playoff berth for the Oklahoma City Thunder is another story.

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Kyle Lowry (PG)
All-Around Superstar (from All-Around Star)
87 Overall (+1)



OFFENSE
83 Standing Layup (-2)
90 Driving Layup (+5)
55 Post Fade (+11)
50 Post Hook (+12)
45 Post Control (+5)
82 Draw Foul (+7)
73 Standing Close (+2)
73 Moving Close (+1)
75 Standing Mid (+3)
75 Moving Mid (+2)
85 Standing 3pt (+5)
83 Moving 3pt (+3)
81 Free Throw (+2)
90 Ball Control (+4)
78 Pass Vision (-4)
90 Pass IQ
86 Pass Accuracy
36 Offensive Rebound (-1)
25 Standing Dunk
25 Driving Dunk
25 Contact Dunk
97 Shot IQ (+6)
95 Hands

DEFENSE
56 Defensive Rebound (-1)
45 Block (-6)
80 Shot Contest (-10)
86 Steal (+1)
90 On-Ball Defense (+3)
40 Low Post Defense (-18)
90 Reaction Time (-2)

ATHLETICISM
56 Boxout (-6)
93 Lateral Quickness
88 Speed
89 Acceleration
70 Vertical (-2)
70 Strength
93 Stamina (-3)
95 Hustle
90 Durability (-5)

INTANGIBLES
95 Pass Perception
70 Defensive Consistency (-20)
85 Pick &Roll Defense (-1)
85 Help Defense (+1)
99 Offensive Consistency (+14)
25 Emotion
90 Potential (+4)

2017 OUTLOOK
Quietly a two-time All-Star, Lowry isn't the flashiest name but he is the reason the Raptors have been a stable organization and rising playoff team since the day they acquired him.  There are a few bigger names on this list who can't say the same.  Expect more of the same for Lowry and the Raptors, who anxiously await a rematch with Cleveland.

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John Wall (PG)
Offensive Superstar (from All-Around Superstar)
87 Overall (-2)



OFFENSE
82 Standing Layup (-10)
90 Driving Layup (-3)
70 Post Fade (+13)
35 Post Hook
45 Post Control (+3)
51 Draw Foul (-26)
69 Standing Close (-3)
69 Moving Close (-3)
74 Standing Mid
74 Moving Mid (+2)
81 Standing 3pt (+3)
79 Moving 3pt (+1)
79 Free Throw (+1)
90 Ball Control (+4)
97 Pass Vision (+4)
96 Pass IQ
91 Pass Accuracy
34 Offensive Rebound (+1)
25 Standing Dunk
70 Driving Dunk (-16)
35 Contact Dunk
99 Shot IQ (+4)
99 Hands (+1)

DEFENSE
60 Defensive Rebound
52 Block (-5)
80 Shot Contest (+4)
80 Steal (+3)
80 On-Ball Defense (-6)
50 Low Post Defense (+12)
75 Reaction Time (-1)

ATHLETICISM
60 Boxout (+5)
86 Lateral Quickness
97 Speed
90 Acceleration
88 Vertical
60 Strength (-1)
94 Stamina (-4)
95 Hustle
90 Durability

INTANGIBLES
90 Pass Perception (-2)
60 Defensive Consistency (-25)
85 Pick &Roll Defense
80 Help Defense (-2)
80 Offensive Consistency (-10)
99 Emotion
90 Potential (+1)

2017 OUTLOOK
Long considered a flaw in his game, Wall improved his 3pt shot considerably.  His mid-range game still needs work, as evidenced by Wall's poor numbers in the Pick & Roll (0.73 PPP, 38th Percentile).  His inconsistent production here has capped his individual growth and the team's overall progression.

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Damian Lillard (PG)
Athletic Playmaker (from Offensive Superstar)
86 Overall (-3)



OFFENSE
75 Standing Layup (-18)
85 Driving Layup (-6)
60 Post Fade (+20)
40 Post Hook (+10)
45 Post Control (+3)
63 Draw Foul (-29)
68 Standing Close (-7)
68 Moving Close (-6)
81 Standing Mid (+2)
81 Moving Mid (+3)
86 Standing 3pt
86 Moving 3pt (+1)
89 Free Throw
95 Ball Control (+5)
82 Pass Vision (-4)
90 Pass IQ (-5)
86 Pass Accuracy (-5)
34 Offensive Rebound (-1)
25 Standing Dunk
55 Driving Dunk (-30)
35 Contact Dunk
99 Shot IQ (+1)
99 Hands (+1)

DEFENSE
51 Defensive Rebound (-1)
43 Block (-2)
75 Shot Contest (-3)
60 Steal
75 On-Ball Defense (+2)
45 Low Post Defense (+20)
65 Reaction Time (-5)

ATHLETICISM
51 Boxout (-11)
69 Lateral Quickness
88 Speed
93 Acceleration
90 Vertical (+1)
65 Strength (-1)
95 Stamina (+4)
95 Hustle
99 Durability (+1)

INTANGIBLES
65 Pass Perception (-12)
30 Defensive Consistency (-40)
70 Pick &Roll Defense (-8)
60 Help Defense (-12)
99 Offensive Consistency (+1)
99 Emotion
90 Potential (+1)

2017 OUTLOOK
Lillard carried a bunch of no-names to the second round of the playoffs.  While his season-long performance was at times "Curry-esque", the same could not be said of his putrid defense.  This isn't all on Lillard though, who has had to carry the team.  The Blazers need another player (besides C.J. McCollum) to step up and lighten Lillard's offensive load, providing him the breather he needs to give an acceptable defensive effort.

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Eric Bledsoe (PG)
All-Around Star (from Lockdown Defender)
85 Overall (-1)



OFFENSE
80 Standing Layup (-8)
85 Driving Layup (+1)
40 Post Fade
30 Post Hook (+5)
35 Post Control (+7)
70 Draw Foul (-7)
87 Standing Close (+2)
87 Moving Close (+2)
84 Standing Mid (+2)
84 Moving Mid (+1)
83 Standing 3pt (+2)
83 Moving 3pt (+2)
80 Free Throw
90 Ball Control (+4)
80 Pass Vision (+5)
88 Pass IQ
82 Pass Accuracy
34 Offensive Rebound
25 Standing Dunk
55 Driving Dunk (-18)
45 Contact Dunk
98 Shot IQ (+2)
90 Hands (+2)

DEFENSE
53 Defensive Rebound (-8)
50 Block (-5)
75 Shot Contest (-2)
86 Steal (+3)
90 On-Ball Defense (+2)
40 Low Post Defense
75 Reaction Time (-2)

ATHLETICISM
53 Boxout (+3)
88 Lateral Quickness
88 Speed
89 Acceleration
90 Vertical (+2)
55 Strength
89 Stamina (+4)
95 Hustle (-1)
75 Durability (-2)

INTANGIBLES
80 Pass Perception (-2)
60 Defensive Consistency (-25)
80 Pick &Roll Defense (-5)
90 Help Defense (+6)
70 Offensive Consistency (-25)
25 Emotion
90 Potential (+4)

2017 OUTLOOK
Bledsoe has missed 91 games in three years with the Suns, including 51 last season.  The Suns were 12-19 with Bledsoe last season, and 9-40 without him; he is clearly a valued piece of their core.  He'll simply look to remain healthy as the team rebuilds around him.

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Isaiah Thomas (PG)
Playmaker (from Offensive-Minded Point)
83 Overall (-3)



OFFENSE
80 Standing Layup (-14)
90 Driving Layup (-4)
45 Post Fade (+5)
45 Post Hook (+20)
30 Post Control (+5)
79 Draw Foul (-10)
68 Standing Close (+1)
68 Moving Close
71 Standing Mid (-7)
71 Moving Mid (-7)
82 Standing 3pt (+3)
80 Moving 3pt (+1)
87 Free Throw
90 Ball Control (-1)
81 Pass Vision (-4)
85 Pass IQ (-9)
85 Pass Accuracy (-10)
34 Offensive Rebound
25 Standing Dunk
25 Driving Dunk (-2)
25 Contact Dunk
99 Shot IQ (+1)
99 Hands (+1)

DEFENSE
45 Defensive Rebound
38 Block (+8)
60 Shot Contest
68 Steal (+5)
80 On-Ball Defense (+11)
45 Low Post Defense (+20)
60 Reaction Time

ATHLETICISM
45 Boxout (+13)
64 Lateral Quickness
87 Speed
94 Acceleration
85 Vertical (+4)
50 Strength (+5)
92 Stamina (-5)
95 Hustle (-2)
95 Durability (-2)

INTANGIBLES
60 Pass Perception
40 Defensive Consistency (-20)
85 Pick & Roll Defense (+15)
75 Help Defense (+7)
85 Offensive Consistency (-10)
99 Emotion
90 Potential (+4)

2017 OUTLOOK
Thomas is one of my favorite players to watch in the league.  If Al Horford's pick & roll prowess can help Thomas re-capture the touch he had on his mid-range shot with the Sacramento Kings, the Celtics are going to be scary.

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Kemba Walker (PG)
All-Around Point Guard (from All-Around Star)
83 Overall (-1)



OFFENSE
80 Standing Layup (-14)
85 Driving Layup (-5)
60 Post Fade
30 Post Hook (+2)
35 Post Control
65 Draw Foul (-22)
71 Standing Close (-1)
71 Moving Close (-2)
75 Standing Mid (+1)
75 Moving Mid
84 Standing 3pt (+4)
84 Moving 3pt (+4)
85 Free Throw
90 Ball Control (+2)
72 Pass Vision
88 Pass IQ
94 Pass Accuracy
35 Offensive Rebound
25 Standing Dunk
30 Driving Dunk
25 Contact Dunk
98 Shot IQ (+1)
99 Hands (+1)

DEFENSE
54 Defensive Rebound (+1)
46 Block (-4)
80 Shot Contest (+5)
76 Steal (+7)
75 On-Ball Defense
50 Low Post Defense (+18)
75 Reaction Time

ATHLETICISM
54 Boxout (+4)
75 Lateral Quickness
83 Speed
88 Acceleration
80 Vertical (-1)
50 Strength
92 Stamina (-1)
90 Hustle
90 Durability (+5)

INTANGIBLES
75 Pass Perception (-2)
55 Defensive Consistency (-5)
80 Pick & Roll Defense (+2)
80 Help Defense (+8)
85 Offensive Consistency (-13)
99 Emotion
85 Potential (+1)

2017 OUTLOOK
Kemba is coming off a breakout season, but he may be poised for another one after the team parted ways with lumbering Al Jefferson (2nd on the team in Usage rate).  The Hornets will look to run even more, while the growth of Frank Kaminsky as a stretch-big should open up the court even more for Walker to operate.

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Reggie Jackson (PG)
Offensive-Minded Point
83 Overall (NC)

OFFENSE
80 Standing Layup (-5)
90 Driving Layup (-2)
50 Post Fade (+2)
50 Post Hook (+25)
35 Post Control (+7)
54 Draw Foul (-21)
85 Standing Close (+3)
85 Moving Close (+2)
69 Standing Mid (-11)
69 Moving Mid (-9)
80 Standing 3pt (+1)
80 Moving 3pt (+1)
86 Free Throw
95 Ball Control (+10)
85 Pass Vision (+4)
89 Pass IQ
88 Pass Accuracy
38 Offensive Rebound (+2)
25 Standing Dunk
55 Driving Dunk (-14)
30 Contact Dunk (+4)
99 Shot IQ (+9)
85 Hands

DEFENSE
48 Defensive Rebound (+1)
38 Block (+6)
65 Shot Contest (+2)
60 Steal (+1)
75 On-Ball Defense (+1)
40 Low Post Defense (-9)
65 Reaction Time (+2)

ATHLETICISM
48 Boxout (-17)
74 Lateral Quickness
85 Speed
90 Acceleration
85 Vertical
60 Strength (+12)
92 Stamina (-3)
85 Hustle
90 Durability (+6)

INTANGIBLES
60 Pass Perception (+1)
40 Defensive Consistency (-30)
80 Pick & Roll Defense (+8)
80 Help Defense (+10)
90 Offensive Consistency (+10)
99 Emotion
85 Potential (+2)

2017 OUTLOOK
Jackson quickly assimilated from sixth man combo guard to full-time point guard.  He could stand to improve his defensive effort as the Pistons look to make it to the next level.

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Kyrie Irving (PG)
Scoring Machine (from Offensive Superstar)
83 Overall (-5)



OFFENSE
80 Standing Layup (-12)
90 Driving Layup (-1)
75 Post Fade (+11)
45 Post Hook (+10)
50 Post Control (+10)
43 Draw Foul (-30)
91 Standing Close (+4)
91 Moving Close (+3)
93 Standing Mid (-4)
93 Moving Mid (-4)
82 Standing 3pt (-1)
82 Moving 3pt (-1)
89 Free Throw (+4)
95 Ball Control (-3)
73 Pass Vision
77 Pass IQ (-5)
79 Pass Accuracy (-5)
40 Offensive Rebound (-2)
25 Standing Dunk
35 Driving Dunk (+5)
25 Contact Dunk
99 Shot IQ (+5)
99 Hands (+1)

DEFENSE
44 Defensive Rebound
44 Block (+2)
75 Shot Contest (+1)
68 Steal (+5)
65 On-Ball Defense (-7)
55 Low Post Defense (+23)
75 Reaction Time (+1)

ATHLETICISM
44 Boxout
72 Lateral Quickness
87 Speed
95 Acceleration
80 Vertical (-1)
50 Strength (+13)
92 Stamina (-5)
80 Hustle (-5)
75 Durability (-6)

INTANGIBLES
70 Pass Perception (-11)
35 Defensive Consistency (-20)
70 Pick &Roll Defense (-1)
55 Help Defense (-19)
75 Offensive Consistency (-23)
25 Emotion
90 Potential (-1)

2017 OUTLOOK
Kyrie started the season slowly as he recovered from injury, and really hit his stride late in the year.  That said, as is the case with many guards in this tier, his defense leaves a lot to be desired and is the biggest obstacle he'll need to overcome if he hopes to reach the MVP-caliber ranks of a Steph Curry or Chris Paul.

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Mike Conley (PG)
All-Around Point Guard
82 Overall (-1)



OFFENSE
75 Standing Layup (-9)
85 Driving Layup (+3)
40 Post Fade
25 Post Hook
30 Post Control (+1)
65 Draw Foul (+2)
81 Standing Close (-2)
81 Moving Close (-2)
75 Standing Mid
73 Moving Mid (-2)
82 Standing 3pt (+3)
76 Moving 3pt (-3)
83 Free Throw
90 Ball Control (+3)
81 Pass Vision (+4)
93 Pass IQ
92 Pass Accuracy
33 Offensive Rebound
25 Standing Dunk
35 Driving Dunk (+5)
25 Contact Dunk
93 Shot IQ (+18)
90 Hands (+2)

DEFENSE
49 Defensive Rebound
43 Block (-2)
75 Shot Contest (-1)
73 Steal (+8)
85 On-Ball Defense (-2)
35 Low Post Defense (+4)
75 Reaction Time (-1)

ATHLETICISM
49 Boxout (+11)
85 Lateral Quickness
83 Speed
86 Acceleration
85 Vertical (-10)
50 Strength (+10)
86 Stamina (-8)
85 Hustle
80 Durability (-2)

INTANGIBLES
80 Pass Perception
80 Defensive Consistency (-20)
65 Pick &Roll Defense (-20)
80 Help Defense
85 Offensive Consistency (+25)
25 Emotion
85 Potential

2017 OUTLOOK
Conley landed the biggest contract in NBA history this off-season (5 years, 150 million), making him the posterboy for the NBA's new cap structure.  I don't have a problem with the dollars, and neither should you.  Starting pitchers in MLB make 30 million dollars per year, and they only play in 20% of their team's games.   Conley is going to lock down the PG position (arguably the most important position in the NBA) for the foreseeable future in Memphis, a city/team which isn't exactly a hotbed for free agents to begin with.  Conley will continue to produce at a borderline All-Star level and lead a team that hasn't missed the playoffs in five seasons.

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Ricky Rubio (PG)
Crafty Playmaker
81 Overall (+2)



OFFENSE
72 Standing Layup (+1)
75 Driving Layup (-2)
40 Post Fade
25 Post Hook
30 Post Control (+4)
99 Draw Foul (+31)
48 Standing Close (-15)
48 Moving Close (-15)
77 Standing Mid (+3)
75 Moving Mid (+1)
78 Standing 3pt (+3)
70 Moving 3pt
85 Free Throw
85 Ball Control
92 Pass Vision (+3)
92 Pass IQ (+5)
92 Pass Accuracy (+5)
35 Offensive Rebound
25 Standing Dunk
25 Driving Dunk
25 Contact Dunk
82 Shot IQ (-6)
95 Hands

DEFENSE
61 Defensive Rebound
39 Block (+7)
75 Shot Contest (-1)
95 Steal (+7)
60 On-Ball Defense (-21)
35 Low Post Defense (+3)
85 Reaction Time (+3)

ATHLETICISM
61 Boxout (+11)
78 Lateral Quickness
75 Speed
81 Acceleration
60 Vertical
45 Strength (+18)
86 Stamina (-2)
80 Hustle (+7)
75 Durability (-2)

INTANGIBLES
95 Pass Perception (+5)
75 Defensive Consistency (+10)
80 Pick &Roll Defense (+6)
90 Help Defense (+14)
80 Offensive Consistency (+10)
25 Emotion
85 Potential (+6)

2017 OUTLOOK
With Minnesota drafting Kris Dunn, some expect Rubio to be traded, but that would probably be a mistake as he enters his prime.  Rubio's inability to score in the Pick and Roll (0.69 PPP, 30th Percentile) damage his overall effectiveness, but no other guard in the league short of Chris Paul possesses his elite passing and defensive skill.

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Darren Collison (PG)
Sharpshooter
81 Overall (+1)



OFFENSE
86 Standing Layup (+11)
80 Driving Layup (+3)
55 Post Fade (+5)
25 Post Hook
35 Post Control (+3)
58 Draw Foul (-2)
88 Standing Close (+3)
88 Moving Close (+3)
90 Standing Mid (+5)
90 Moving Mid (+5)
86 Standing 3pt (+1)
80 Moving 3pt (-5)
86 Free Throw (+1)
80 Ball Control (-3)
64 Pass Vision (-2)
80 Pass IQ
80 Pass Accuracy
32 Offensive Rebound (+1)
25 Standing Dunk
45 Driving Dunk
30 Contact Dunk (+4)
85 Shot IQ (-5)
75 Hands (-1)

DEFENSE
42 Defensive Rebound (+1)
36 Block (+9)
65 Shot Contest (-7)
67 Steal (+4)
90 On-Ball Defense (+8)
40 Low Post Defense (+6)
70 Reaction Time (-2)

ATHLETICISM
42 Boxout (+2)
80 Lateral Quickness
88 Speed
89 Acceleration
75 Vertical (+3)
50 Strength (+1)
92 Stamina (+4)
80 Hustle
85 Durability (+1)

INTANGIBLES
65 Pass Perception
35 Defensive Consistency (-20)
75 Pick & Roll Defense (-6)
65 Help Defense (-5)
75 Offensive Consistency (+5)
25 Emotion
85 Potential (+5)

2017 OUTLOOK
Collison was easily the best backup PG in basketball last season, and will get his opportunity to start again with only the corpse of Ty Lawson around to contend for minutes..

--------------------------------------------------------

Jrue Holiday (PG/SG)
Playmaker (from All-Around Point Guard)
80 Overall (-2)



OFFENSE
80 Standing Layup (-6)
85 Driving Layup (+1)
70 Post Fade (-2)
30 Post Hook
45 Post Control (+5)
46 Draw Foul (-13)
87 Standing Close (+5)
87 Moving Close (+5)
73 Standing Mid (-9)
73 Moving Mid (-8)
80 Standing 3pt (+4)
80 Moving 3pt (+5)
84 Free Throw
90 Ball Control (+4)
87 Pass Vision (+4)
85 Pass IQ
80 Pass Accuracy
33 Offensive Rebound
25 Standing Dunk
50 Driving Dunk (+10)
30 Contact Dunk (+4)
99 Shot IQ (+5)
95 Hands

DEFENSE
51 Defensive Rebound
45 Block (-5)
70 Shot Contest (-3)
79 Steal (+6)
75 On-Ball Defense (-6)
45 Low Post Defense (+11)
75 Reaction Time (-2)

ATHLETICISM
51 Boxout (+12)
75 Lateral Quickness
78 Speed
84 Acceleration
70 Vertical (+2)
55 Strength (+6)
82 Stamina (-8)
85 Hustle (-1)
75 Durability (-2)

INTANGIBLES
70 Pass Perception (-2)
50 Defensive Consistency (-20)
65 Pick &Roll Defense (-15)
75 Help Defense (+2)
80 Offensive Consistency (-10)
25 Emotion
85 Potential (+3)

2017 OUTLOOK
Holiday is expected to miss the start of the season as his pregnant wife deals with a brain tumor.  It's been a rough go for Holiday, who has played well in New Orleans but has struggled to stay on the court.  Once his family situation has sorted out, he could be in line for a big year with Eric Gordon gone and Tyreke Evans sidelined indefinitely.

--------------------------------------------------------

Rajon Rondo (PG)
All-Around Star (from All-Around Superstar)
80 Overall (-3)



OFFENSE
86 Standing Layup (-5)
90 Driving Layup (-2)
55 Post Fade (+15)
55 Post Hook (+10)
45 Post Control
38 Draw Foul (-10)
74 Standing Close (+1)
74 Moving Close (+1)
67 Standing Mid (-3)
67 Moving Mid (-3)
82 Standing 3pt (+3)
76 Moving 3pt (+3)
58 Free Throw (+1)
85 Ball Control
98 Pass Vision (+3)
92 Pass IQ
90 Pass Accuracy
42 Offensive Rebound
25 Standing Dunk
40 Driving Dunk (+10)
30 Contact Dunk (+5)
86 Shot IQ (+7)
95 Hands

DEFENSE
63 Defensive Rebound
38 Block (+6)
70 Shot Contest (-8)
83 Steal (+6)
65 On-Ball Defense (-24)
35 Low Post Defense (-1)
80 Reaction Time (+2)

ATHLETICISM
63 Boxout (-7)
87 Lateral Quickness
85 Speed
88 Acceleration
80 Vertical (-2)
50 Strength (+2)
90 Stamina (+2)
90 Hustle
75 Durability (+2)

INTANGIBLES
85 Pass Perception (-10)
55 Defensive Consistency (-30)
80 Pick &Roll Defense (-8)
60 Help Defense (-29)
65 Offensive Consistency (+5)
99 Emotion
90 Potential (+7)

2017 OUTLOOK
Rajon Rondo quietly shot 62-170 (37%) from three-point range last season, after shooting 128-487 (26%) over the first nine seasons of his career.   He NEEDS this to not be a fluke if he is going to have any modicum of success next to Dwyane Wade and Jimmy Butler in Chicago.

--------------------------------------------------------

Tony Parker (PG)
Scoring Machine (from Offensive-Minded Point)
80 Overall (+1)



OFFENSE
84 Standing Layup (+1)
90 Driving Layup (+4)
60 Post Fade (+2)
30 Post Hook
50 Post Control (-8)
48 Draw Foul (-15)
85 Standing Close (-1)
85 Moving Close
92 Standing Mid (+7)
92 Moving Mid (+7)
84 Standing 3pt (+3)
76 Moving 3pt (-1)
76 Free Throw (-2)
90 Ball Control (+4)
76 Pass Vision (+4)
82 Pass IQ
79 Pass Accuracy
30 Offensive Rebound
25 Standing Dunk
25 Driving Dunk
25 Contact Dunk
85 Shot IQ (-12)
95 Hands

DEFENSE
47 Defensive Rebound
39 Block (+2)
70 Shot Contest (-3)
64 Steal (+3)
65 On-Ball Defense (-5)
35 Low Post Defense (-19)
75 Reaction Time (+2)

ATHLETICISM
47 Boxout (+9)
65 Lateral Quickness
84 Speed
86 Acceleration
70 Vertical (-6)
45 Strength (+11)
83 Stamina
70 Hustle (-2)
75 Durability (-11)

INTANGIBLES
75 Pass Perception
50 Defensive Consistency (-25)
75 Pick & Roll Defense (+4)
80 Help Defense (+6)
60 Offensive Consistency (+10)
25 Emotion
90 Potential (+1)

2017 OUTLOOK
Parker is obviously on the decline given his age, but the entire team could struggle a bit in their first season without Tim Duncan.  Given what Duncan has meant to the team's defense throughout the years, and that Pau Gasol is now manning the middle, it could mean the defensive deficiencies of Spurs like Parker get exposed more frequently.

--------------------------------------------------------

Jeff Teague (PG)
All-Around Point Guard (from Two-Way Point)
79 Overall (NC)



OFFENSE
77 Standing Layup (+1)
85 Driving Layup (+8)
40 Post Fade
35 Post Hook (+2)
50 Post Control (+21)
63 Draw Foul (-7)
76 Standing Close (-3)
76 Moving Close (-4)
52 Standing Mid (-18)
52 Moving Mid (-19)
84 Standing 3pt (+5)
82 Moving 3pt (+4)
84 Free Throw
90 Ball Control (+9)
83 Pass Vision (+2)
85 Pass IQ
81 Pass Accuracy
33 Offensive Rebound (-1)
25 Standing Dunk
45 Driving Dunk (-20)
30 Contact Dunk
96 Shot IQ (+16)
85 Hands (+3)

DEFENSE
47 Defensive Rebound (+1)
43 Block (-2)
75 Shot Contest
74 Steal (+5)
65 On-Ball Defense (-13)
45 Low Post Defense (+20)
75 Reaction Time

ATHLETICISM
47 Boxout (+16)
76 Lateral Quickness
84 Speed
89 Acceleration
75 Vertical (+2)
65 Strength (+1)
84 Stamina (-1)
80 Hustle
85 Durability

INTANGIBLES
75 Pass Perception (+1)
40 Defensive Consistency (-25)
85 Pick & Roll Defense (+13)
85 Help Defense (+11)
65 Offensive Consistency
65 Emotion
85 Potential (+2)

2017 OUTLOOK
Teague regressed from his All-Star 2015 season, and may have felt Dennis Schroder creeping down his back.  I'm not sure how well he pairs with Monta Ellis in the backcourt, but he should be a much needed-jolt for a deep, veteran Pacers team.

--------------------------------------------------------

Goran Dragic (PG)
Crafty Finisher
79 Overall (-1)



OFFENSE
86 Standing Layup (-3)
95 Driving Layup (+7)
50 Post Fade (-10)
50 Post Hook (+25)
40 Post Control (+1)
37 Draw Foul (-21)
83 Standing Close (-3)
83 Moving Close (-3)
89 Standing Mid (+7)
89 Moving Mid (+7)
78 Standing 3pt (-1)
74 Moving 3pt (-5)
73 Free Throw (+2)
85 Ball Control (+5)
76 Pass Vision
88 Pass IQ
80 Pass Accuracy
39 Offensive Rebound (+3)
25 Standing Dunk
35 Driving Dunk (-10)
25 Contact Dunk
82 Shot IQ (-12)
90 Hands

DEFENSE
51 Defensive Rebound
41 Block (+6)
70 Shot Contest (-2)
65 Steal (+3)
60 On-Ball Defense (-13)
40 Low Post Defense (+8)
75 Reaction Time (-1)

ATHLETICISM
51 Boxout (+10)
71 Lateral Quickness
78 Speed
80 Acceleration
70 Vertical (-2)
50 Strength (+6)
89 Stamina (+2)
85 Hustle
85 Durability (-2)

INTANGIBLES
70 Pass Perception
65 Defensive Consistency (-5)
85 Pick & Roll Defense (+11)
90 Help Defense (+16)
70 Offensive Consistency (-15)
25 Emotion
85 Potential (+4)

2017 OUTLOOK
With Dwyane Wade out of the picture in Miami, nearly all of the team's ball-handling responsibility falls to Dragic.  He'll look to recapture the magic he had in 2014 when he earned All-NBA Third Team and lead a team of no-names to the western playoffs.

--------------------------------------------------------

Dennis Schroder (PG)
All-Around Point Guard (from Offensive-Minded Point)
79 Overall (NC)



OFFENSE
76 Standing Layup (-9)
85 Driving Layup (-1)
40 Post Fade (+2)
25 Post Hook
25 Post Control (-2)
47 Draw Foul (-24)
70 Standing Close (+6)
70 Moving Close (+7)
83 Standing Mid
83 Moving Mid (+1)
79 Standing 3pt (+2)
75 Moving 3pt (+2)
79 Free Throw (-2)
90 Ball Control (+8)
85 Pass Vision (+2)
82 Pass IQ
81 Pass Accuracy
34 Offensive Rebound (+1)
25 Standing Dunk
40 Driving Dunk (-5)
30 Contact Dunk (+5)
95 Shot IQ (+12)
95 Hands

DEFENSE
54 Defensive Rebound (-1)
39 Block (+4)
65 Shot Contest (+1)
74 Steal (+7)
90 On-Ball Defense (+18)
55 Low Post Defense (+21)
70 Reaction Time (+6)

ATHLETICISM
54 Boxout (+29)
68 Lateral Quickness
84 Speed
90 Acceleration
73 Vertical (+1)
46 Strength
84 Stamina (-9)
90 Hustle
85 Durability (+6)

INTANGIBLES
75 Pass Perception (+8)
55 Defensive Consistency (-10)
70 Pick & Roll Defense (-3)
60 Help Defense (-12)
65 Offensive Consistency (-10)
65 Emotion
85 Potential (+6)

2017 OUTLOOK
With Jeff Teague gone, the lane is clear for Schroder to start and he's the favorite to earn the NBA's Most Improved Player award.

--------------------------------------------------------

Deron Williams (PG/SG)
All-Around Point Guard (from Offensive-Minded Point)
78 Overall (NC)



OFFENSE
79 Standing Layup (+5)
80 Driving Layup (-1)
75 Post Fade (-2)
40 Post Hook (-2)
60 Post Control (+2)
53 Draw Foul (-16)
81 Standing Close (-1)
81 Moving Close
82 Standing Mid (+2)
80 Moving Mid (+2)
81 Standing 3pt (+3)
75 Moving 3pt (-1)
87 Free Throw
85 Ball Control (-2)
76 Pass Vision (+2)
88 Pass IQ
84 Pass Accuracy
30 Offensive Rebound
25 Standing Dunk
35 Driving Dunk (-10)
30 Contact Dunk (+5)
84 Shot IQ (+6)
90 Hands

DEFENSE
48 Defensive Rebound (+1)
41 Block (+1)
70 Shot Contest (-2)
65 Steal (+4)
85 On-Ball Defense (+17)
55 Low Post Defense (+4)
70 Reaction Time (-2)

ATHLETICISM
48 Boxout (+13)
68 Lateral Quickness
73 Speed
80 Acceleration
70 Vertical (+1)
65 Strength (-4)
88 Stamina (-7)
75 Hustle (-3)
75 Durability (-5)

INTANGIBLES
60 Pass Perception (-2)
60 Defensive Consistency (+10)
75 Pick & Roll Defense
80 Help Defense (+13)
60 Offensive Consistency
25 Emotion
90 Potential (+8)

2017 OUTLOOK
While Williams might be the starter in Dallas, it's questionable whether he is more effective than his backup, J.J. Barea.  Five years removed from his last All-Star selection, it's safe to say we're never seeing consistent elite play from D-Will ever again.

--------------------------------------------------------

Michael Carter-Williams (PG)
Crafty All-Around Point (from Two-WayPoint)
77 Overall (+1)



OFFENSE
78 Standing Layup (+6)
80 Driving Layup (+5)
55 Post Fade (-7)
60 Post Hook (+10)
50 Post Control (-1)
58 Draw Foul (+4)
85 Standing Close
85 Moving Close
75 Standing Mid
73 Moving Mid (-2)
72 Standing 3pt (+2)
66 Moving 3pt (-3)
65 Free Throw (-1)
85 Ball Control (+7)
73 Pass Vision
82 Pass IQ
76 Pass Accuracy
42 Offensive Rebound
40 Standing Dunk
70 Driving Dunk (+10)
35 Contact Dunk (+5)
74 Shot IQ (-1)
85 Hands (+1)

DEFENSE
65 Defensive Rebound
56 Block (-4)
80 Shot Contest (+10)
80 Steal (+3)
85 On-Ball Defense (+4)
50 Low Post Defense (-8)
70 Reaction Time

ATHLETICISM
65 Boxout (+13)
81 Lateral Quickness
76 Speed
77 Acceleration
75 Vertical
50 Strength (+12)
86 Stamina (-1)
85 Hustle (+1)
80 Durability (+1)

INTANGIBLES
80 Pass Perception (+10)
60 Defensive Consistency (-5)
90 Pick & Roll Defense (+8)
80 Help Defense (+1)
45 Offensive Consistency (-15)
65 Emotion
80 Potential (-1)

2017 OUTLOOK
MCW may very well lose his starting job to Matthew Dellavedova.  The team needs a shooter who can play next to the Greek Freak, who is expected to run the offense on the heels of his own breakout season.

--------------------------------------------------------

George Hill (PG)
All-Around Point Guard (from Offensive-Minded Point)
77 Overall (+1)



OFFENSE
83 Standing Layup (+8)
80 Driving Layup (+4)
50 Post Fade (-11)
35 Post Hook (+2)
45 Post Control (+7)
41 Draw Foul (-29)
77 Standing Close (-5)
77 Moving Close (-3)
76 Standing Mid (+6)
76 Moving Mid (+6)
87 Standing 3pt (+4)
81 Moving 3pt (-2)
76 Free Throw (-1)
80 Ball Control
59 Pass Vision (+1)
84 Pass IQ
83 Pass Accuracy
38 Offensive Rebound (+1)
25 Standing Dunk
50 Driving Dunk (+5)
30 Contact Dunk (+4)
70 Shot IQ (-12)
85 Hands

DEFENSE
50 Defensive Rebound
40 Block (+3)
70 Shot Contest (+4)
67 Steal (+5)
90 On-Ball Defense (+20)
35 Low Post Defense (+10)
70 Reaction Time (+4)

ATHLETICISM
50 Boxout (+1)
67 Lateral Quickness
79 Speed
80 Acceleration
90 Vertical (+2)
55 Strength (+3)
89 Stamina (-3)
75 Hustle (+1)
80 Durability (+6)

INTANGIBLES
70 Pass Perception
60 Defensive Consistency (+10)
85 Pick & Roll Defense (+14)
65 Help Defense (-5)
60 Offensive Consistency (-10)
25 Emotion
80 Potential (+2)

2017 SEASON
Hill had a superb 2015 season when Paul George was sidelined, but went back to being a fourth option in a spot-up role last season.  Now playing for the Utah Jazz, will Hill be able to re-capture that level of play for a team that has desperately needed a PG?  Or will they utilize him entirely off the ball and run things through Gordan Hayward?  Time will tell, but make no mistake, Hill is a major sleeper for the upcoming season.

--------------------------------------------------------

Derrick Rose (PG)
Offensive-Minded Point (from Athletic Finisher)
75 Overall (-5)



OFFENSE
74 Standing Layup (-10)
80 Driving Layup (-6)
60 Post Fade (+5)
60 Post Hook (+5)
40 Post Control (-15)
34 Draw Foul (-16)
91 Standing Close (+7)
91 Moving Close (+7)
73 Standing Mid (-6)
73 Moving Mid (-5)
74 Standing 3pt (+1)
66 Moving 3pt (-7)
79 Free Throw
90 Ball Control (+2)
72 Pass Vision
75 Pass IQ (-5)
72 Pass Accuracy (-10)
37 Offensive Rebound (+1)
25 Standing Dunk
35 Driving Dunk
30 Contact Dunk
87 Shot IQ (-4)
85 Hands

DEFENSE
47 Defensive Rebound
40 Block (+3)
75 Shot Contest (-4)
59 Steal (+1)
75 On-Ball Defense (-1)
40 Low Post Defense (-10)
80 Reaction Time (+1)

ATHLETICISM
47 Boxout (-2)
73 Lateral Quickness
95 Speed
91 Acceleration
85 Vertical (-4)
60 Strength (-4)
87 Stamina (-1)
80 Hustle (-12)
60 Durability (+1)

INTANGIBLES
55 Pass Perception (-9)
30 Defensive Consistency (-20)
75 Pick & Roll Defense (+1)
60 Help Defense (-15)
50 Offensive Consistency (-30)
25 Emotion
90 Potential (+6)

2017 OUTLOOK
Rose had a much better second half of the season after a dismal first half, but he still carries with him a number of flaws that he hasn't been able to evade in his return from injuries.  His long-range shooting is poor, his decision-making still questionable, and his defense nothing short of atrocious.  Given his inability to play off-ball I have no idea how he is going to (productively) fit on a team that features Carmelo Anthony.  If last season is any barometer, Rose will put up inefficient numbers on a team that fails to make the playoffs.  I would love to be wrong; it's up to Rose to make the necessary adjustments and do it.

--------------------------------------------------------

Elfrid Payton (PG)
All-Around Point Guard
75 Overall (NC)



OFFENSE
80 Standing Layup (+6)
85 Driving Layup (+8)
30 Post Fade (-2)
30 Post Hook (+5)
30 Post Control (+5)
52 Draw Foul (-14)
75 Standing Close (-1)
75 Moving Close
50 Standing Mid (-14)
48 Moving Mid (-14)
78 Standing 3pt (-1)
68 Moving 3pt (-7)
59 Free Throw
85 Ball Control (+4)
81 Pass Vision (+4)
81 Pass IQ
80 Pass Accuracy
45 Offensive Rebound
25 Standing Dunk
50 Driving Dunk
30 Contact Dunk
79 Shot IQ (+4)
80 Hands

DEFENSE
49 Defensive Rebound (+1)
43 Block (-2)
75 Shot Contest (+1)
74 Steal (+7)
90 On-Ball Defense (+9)
35 Low Post Defense (+10)
75 Reaction Time (+1)

ATHLETICISM
49 Boxout (-3)
82 Lateral Quickness
77 Speed
84 Acceleration
80 Vertical (+3)
55 Strength (-3)
85 Stamina (+5)
90 Hustle (+2)
85 Durability (+3)

INTANGIBLES
70 Pass Perception (+18)
55 Defensive Consistency (-20)
75 Pick & Roll Defense (-5)
75 Help Defense (+5)
55 Offensive Consistency (+15)
25 Emotion
80 Potential

2017 OUTLOOK
Payton is basically a young Rajon Rondo.  Minus the Hall-of-Fame supporting cast that masked Rondo's deficiencies.  I expect this season won't be any different, and the Magic may pursue an upgrade here before too long.

--------------------------------------------------------

Jeremy Lin (PG)
All-Around Point Guard (from Crafty Offensive-Minded Point)
75 Overall (-1)



OFFENSE
79 Standing Layup (+4)
80 Driving Layup
50 Post Fade (+5)
30 Post Hook (+2)
50 Post Control (+21)
80 Draw Foul (+1)
72 Standing Close (-9)
72 Moving Close (-9)
65 Standing Mid (-9)
65 Moving Mid (-8)
79 Standing 3pt (+2)
73 Moving 3pt (-2)
82 Free Throw (+1)
80 Ball Control (+1)
64 Pass Vision (-2)
78 Pass IQ
70 Pass Accuracy
36 Offensive Rebound (+1)
25 Standing Dunk
35 Driving Dunk (-1)
25 Contact Dunk (-5)
78 Shot IQ (-10)
80 Hands (+2)

DEFENSE
53 Defensive Rebound (+1)
52 Block (-4)
80 Shot Contest (+13)
64 Steal (+3)
80 On-Ball Defense (+9)
35 Low Post Defense (+7)
65 Reaction Time (-2)

ATHLETICISM
53 Boxout (+15)
71 Lateral Quickness
81 Speed
82 Acceleration
70 Vertical (-1)
55 Strength (+20)
89 Stamina
85 Hustle (+1)
85 Durability (+7)

INTANGIBLES
70 Pass Perception
60 Defensive Consistency (+5)
80 Pick & Roll Defense (+10)
70 Help Defense (-2)
55 Offensive Consistency (-10)
25 Emotion
80 Potential (+4)

2017 OUTLOOK
Well, at the very least, we'll finally get to see if Linsanity was a fluke or not.  Lin was one of the better backup PGs in the league and has often played SG in order to get minutes (accounting for his lackluster 18 AST% last season) since leaving the Knicks.  He's an upgrade over Jarrett Jack, and has been hungry for this opportunity.  If his Usage rate is anywhere near what it was with the Knicks during Linsanity, it wouldn't be surprising to see Lin averaging 16-18 PPG and 7 APG, especially given how much he has improved his overall game since that time.

--------------------------------------------------------

Patrick Beverley (PG)
All-Around Point Guard (from Lockdown Defender)
75 Overall (-1)



OFFENSE
78 Standing Layup (+3)
80 Driving Layup (+7)
45 Post Fade (+10)
30 Post Hook
30 Post Control
29 Draw Foul (-13)
77 Standing Close (+2)
75 Moving Close
83 Standing Mid (+2)
83 Moving Mid (+3)
85 Standing 3pt (+3)
77 Moving 3pt (-3)
68 Free Throw
75 Ball Control
63 Pass Vision (-1)
77 Pass IQ
75 Pass Accuracy
45 Offensive Rebound (+1)
25 Standing Dunk
40 Driving Dunk (+10)
30 Contact Dunk (+5)
70 Shot IQ (+15)
80 Hands

DEFENSE
49 Defensive Rebound (+1)
46 Block (-5)
80 Shot Contest (+3)
77 Steal (+6)
55 On-Ball Defense (-35)
55 Low Post Defense (+21)
80 Reaction Time (+3)

ATHLETICISM
49 Boxout (+7)
90 Lateral Quickness
72 Speed
89 Acceleration
90 Vertical (-1)
55 Strength (+5)
85 Stamina (-5)
80 Hustle (+4)
75 Durability

INTANGIBLES
80 Pass Perception (+17)
65 Defensive Consistency (-15)
90 Pick & Roll Defense (+1)
85 Help Defense (+7)
70 Offensive Consistency (+35)
65 Emotion
80 Potential (+4)

2017 OUTLOOK
Playing next to James Harden, Beverley doesn't really run the offense like most point guards do.  Defense has been his calling card.  It remains to be seen how much he is appreciated by incumbent coach Mike D'Antoni.  It's not outside the realm of possibility that Beverley loses his starting job to the offensively-gifted Eric Gordon, who is making way too much money to simply be backing up James Harden.

--------------------------------------------------------

Emmanuel Mudiay (PG)
Pass-First Point (from Penetrating Point)
74 Overall (-1)



OFFENSE
69 Standing Layup (-6)
75 Driving Layup (-3)
55 Post Fade (-2)
35 Post Hook
40 Post Control (-2)
46 Draw Foul (-12)
61 Standing Close (+1)
61 Moving Close (+3)
68 Standing Mid (-6)
68 Moving Mid (-2)
77 Standing 3pt (+4)
73 Moving 3pt (+3)
67 Free Throw
85 Ball Control (+6)
76 Pass Vision (+2)
78 Pass IQ
75 Pass Accuracy
34 Offensive Rebound
25 Standing Dunk
65 Driving Dunk (-20)
30 Contact Dunk
79 Shot IQ (+16)
80 Hands (-2)

DEFENSE
52 Defensive Rebound
49 Block (-6)
75 Shot Contest (-1)
67 Steal (+4)
55 On-Ball Defense (-17)
35 Low Post Defense (-3)
75 Reaction Time (-1)

ATHLETICISM
52 Boxout (-8)
74 Lateral Quickness
88 Speed
85 Acceleration
90 Vertical (+2)
55 Strength (+3)
86 Stamina (+6)
80 Hustle (+5)
85 Durability (+1)

INTANGIBLES
60 Pass Perception (-2)
40 Defensive Consistency (-5)
75 Pick & Roll Defense (+4)
55 Help Defense (-13)
40 Offensive Consistency (-20)
25 Emotion
85 Potential (-1)

2017 OUTLOOK
Mudiay can't shoot to save his life, and that's the main thing holding him back from being a starting caliber guard.  He should continue to steadily improve over the next five years, though it'll be a major red flag if he ever stumbles in his development.

--------------------------------------------------------

D'Angelo Russell (PG)
Offensive-Minded Point
73 Overall (-4)



OFFENSE
80 Standing Layup (-5)
85 Driving Layup (+3)
65 Post Fade (+10)
40 Post Hook (+5)
60 Post Control (+20)
40 Draw Foul (-25)
80 Standing Close (-10)
80 Moving Close (-12)
72 Standing Mid (-1)
72 Moving Mid (+2)
81 Standing 3pt (+1)
79 Moving 3pt (-1)
74 Free Throw (+1)
85 Ball Control
66 Pass Vision (-5)
70 Pass IQ (-10)
70 Pass Accuracy (-10)
36 Offensive Rebound
25 Standing Dunk
40 Driving Dunk (-5)
30 Contact Dunk (+4)
79 Shot IQ (-5)
90 Hands (+1)

DEFENSE
53 Defensive Rebound
40 Block (+3)
65 Shot Contest (-5)
74 Steal (+5)
60 On-Ball Defense (+2)
55 Low Post Defense (+15)
70 Reaction Time

ATHLETICISM
53 Boxout (-5)
68 Lateral Quickness
83 Speed
84 Acceleration
70 Vertical (-1)
55 Strength (+1)
85 Stamina (-3)
65 Hustle
90 Durability (+8)

INTANGIBLES
75 Pass Perception (-4)
35 Defensive Consistency
70 Pick & Roll Defense (+15)
60 Help Defense (+1)
50 Offensive Consistency (-25)
99 Emotion
85 Potential (-3)

2017 OUTLOOK
Last season's 2nd overall pick has a tumultous rookie season, which could be expected for a young PG forced to endure Kobe's farewell tour.   While Russell's offensive numbers should improve across the board, his defense was garbage last season, and this was supposed to be his calling card.  The opportunity is there for him to be one of the league's most improved players, but the Lakers could also hand-cuff him to the still effective Jose Calderon.

--------------------------------------------------------

Jerryd Bayless (PG/SG)
Reliable Playmaker (from Shoot-First Point)
73 Overall (-1)



OFFENSE
69 Standing Layup (-8)
75 Driving Layup (-8)
45 Post Fade (+3)
30 Post Hook (+4)
30 Post Control (+4)
41 Draw Foul (-23)
67 Standing Close (-3)
65 Moving Close (-3)
79 Standing Mid (-1)
71 Moving Mid (-7)
90 Standing 3pt (+2)
82 Moving 3pt (-4)
78 Free Throw
80 Ball Control (+2)
60 Pass Vision (-3)
71 Pass IQ
74 Pass Accuracy
33 Offensive Rebound
25 Standing Dunk
45 Driving Dunk
30 Contact Dunk (+5)
70 Shot IQ (-8)
70 Hands (-1)

DEFENSE
48 Defensive Rebound (+1)
41 Block (+1)
60 Shot Contest (+8)
67 Steal (+5)
60 On-Ball Defense (+8)
60 Low Post Defense (+26)
55 Reaction Time (+3)

ATHLETICISM
48 Boxout (+14)
52 Lateral Quickness
90 Speed
89 Acceleration
75 Vertical
55 Strength (+9)
87 Stamina (+3)
65 Hustle (+1)
80 Durability (+2)

INTANGIBLES
60 Pass Perception (+11)
35 Defensive Consistency
85 Pick & Roll Defense (+22)
75 Help Defense (+21)
60 Offensive Consistency (+5)
25 Emotion
80 Potential (+6)

2017 OUTLOOK
The once promising Bayless has been a journeyman throughout his career, and has never started more than 19 games in a season.  He projects to be Philadelphia's starting PG even though he is arguably much better off the ball as a SG (heavily reflected in his 44% 3pt shooting).  That's where 1st Overall draft pick Ben Simmons comes in.  With Simmons expected to run much of the offense in Philadelphia as a point-forward, this could be the perfect situation for Bayless, who saw quite a bit of success last season playing next to Giannis Antetokounmpo.  While Bayless might be the least talented starting PG in the NBA, his value on the court very well may outweigh his overall production.

--------------------------------------------------------

Thanks all for reading.  I may do another one of these leading up to the 2K17 release, if I have time.  If not, you can be sure I'll be on those 2K17 streets for a bit, as my schedule allows.

~John Markisch
aka "Rashidi" the Real 2K Insider