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NBA Position Rankings: Elfrid Payton and the point guards

By Ryan Doyle

Feb 5, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) drives past Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul during the second half of a basketball game at Amway Center. The Clippers won 107-93. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 5, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) drives past Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul during the second half of a basketball game at Amway Center. The Clippers won 107-93. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 3, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) reacts against the Golden State Warriors during the third quarter in game two of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Trail Blazers 110-99. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
May 3, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) reacts against the Golden State Warriors during the third quarter in game two of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Trail Blazers 110-99. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

7. Damian Lillard

This was where the rankings got really tough. The rest of these point guards are phenomenal. Lillard could easily have been in the top five, but I slotted him at seven heading into 2017.

Lillard led the way as the Portland Trail Blazers were able to claim the fifth seed in the Western Conference last season.

Behind his brilliant offensive game, Lillard has been able to become one of the NBA’s biggest stars. The duo of him and C.J. McCollum is special, and Portland seems to have found a winning formula with the two as the go-to scorers.

Last season, Lillard ranked in the top 10 in both assists per game and points per game. His offensive game is as good as anyone’s, the problem occurs on the defensive end. Lillard is one of the worst defensive guards in the game and until he improves on that side of the ball, he will have a tough time cracking the top five in my list.

Next: Kyle Lowry