Post by beatonz on Jan 6, 2022 21:26:02 GMT -6
In the first season of the ITP7 league, the point guard position was one of the weaker positions out of the restart draft. With limited options, we saw many teams opt to start out of position players at the PG spot. Entering the 2001 season, with one training camp in the books, the PG position across the league looks much different with a number of mediocre looking players turning into potential stars. Lets have a look at the projected top 5 PG's coming into the 2001 season.
#1 Tomas Satoransky (Nets) - C B A- A- C- B
Hard to pick anyone other than the 2000 ITP MVP who lead the Nets to the inaugural season championship. Although, Tomas did not take a major step forward as many other PG on this list have, if the Nets PG puts up similar numbers to his 2000 MPV season he will be in the running for the not only the top PG in the league but potentially a back to back MVP. A repeat MVP season may be a stretch considering the improvements to other players across the league but it should not be considered out of the question.
With so many scoring options on the Nets roster, it is difficult to tell if Tomas will be top 3 option this season which may impact his statistics and in turn impact his ability to repeat such a season but any team would be lucky to have a PG of his caliber.
2000 Stats: 20 ppg, 7 apg, 5 rpg, 1.7 spg, 2.8 tpg
2001 Projected Stats: 16 ppg, 7 asp, 4 rpg, 2.0 spg
#2 Bogdan Bogdanovic (Knicks) - C+ A- B B+ C- B
Bogdan may not look like the sexiest player in the league based on his attributes but the man can play. Although listed as a SG, I suspect he will continue to take the PG reigns in the big apple. Bogdan's 2000s season saw him awarded a position on the All-League 2nd Team putting up great all around numbers leading the squeaking the Knicks into a playoff spot.
Similar numbers should be expected in the upcoming season, however unlike others on this list expect less growth moving forward. Bogdan currently sits #2 but this may be his last appearance on this list based on the growth and development around the league. Long term he may be better suited at the SG position but there is no question he is currently a top ITP PG.
2000 Stats: 21 ppg, 7 asp, 5 rpg, 1.8 spg, 3.5 tpg
2001 Projected Stats: 21 ppg, 6 apg, 5 rpg 1.5 spg, 3.5 tpg
#3 Damian Lillard (Hornets) - B- A- B+ A- C A
Giving up a promising Terrance Ross, three 1st round picks in 2001, 2002, and 2003 the Hornets went all in on Lillard with and as expected it has payed off. The young PG impressed in season 1 putting up impressive scoring and assist numbers.
Surprisingly, Lillard did not make an all NBA team in 2000 but expect that to change in 2001. With a great team surrounding the young PG, his assists are certain to be at the top of the league.
If Damian can improve on turnovers he is pushing for the #1 spot on this list. The turnovers will improve with time and continued camping so expect him to be at #1 by as early as next season.
2000 Stats: 15 ppg, 8 asp, 5 rpg, 1.6 spg, 4.4 tpg
2001 Projected Stats: 18 ppg, 8 apg, 2.0 spg, 3.5 tpg
#4 Marcus Smart (Trailblazers) - C+ A- A- B+ C- A
Marcus should shine in 2001 on a Portland team without other #1 options. Although, Portland doesn't have the most impressive players, the team should be able to be compete with a solid distributor. We are all aware of Marcus' defensive and stealing capabilities but has now emerged as a perennial offensive threat as well.
Expect Marcus to make an all NBA team and demonstrate his capabilities as a potential all defensive PG. Marcus has clearly become a PG to build a team around and is the perfect building block for a developing Portland team.
2000 Stats: 15 ppg, 7 asp, 5 rpg, 2.2 spg, 2.7 tpg
2001 Projected Stats: 20 ppg, 8 apg, 2.5 spg, 3.0 tpg
#5 Tony Parker (Kings) - C+ B- A- B+ D+ A
Expect big things from Tony Parker this year with a very impressive training camp, coming into the 2021 season looking like a potential all star. After a rough first season, it looks like the Kings have their star of the future. The Kings have a log jam of solid PGs including Tony, Gilbert and Livingston all of which are capable starters meaning one of them will need to play out of position, likely Gilbert, which isn't expected to be an issue.
The Kings, acquired Parker via trade for a couple of 1sts, 2nds and cash. This may have been one of the best trades during the 2000 season.
Tony's handling is exceptional, which will aid with low turnovers while providing great assist numbers. If his scoring can keep up, expect a break out season for him. Continue to expect exceptional growth over the the next seasons with a very high potential.
2000 Stats: 7.9 ppg, 5 asp, 3 rpg, 1.1 spg, 1.9 tpg
2001 Projected Stats: 14 ppg, 8 apg, 3 rpg 1.5 spg, 2.0 tpg
Let me know your thoughts on who I may have missed, potential future PGs that may make the list and who may fall off come next season.
1st Team Article for 2001 Season.
#1 Tomas Satoransky (Nets) - C B A- A- C- B
Hard to pick anyone other than the 2000 ITP MVP who lead the Nets to the inaugural season championship. Although, Tomas did not take a major step forward as many other PG on this list have, if the Nets PG puts up similar numbers to his 2000 MPV season he will be in the running for the not only the top PG in the league but potentially a back to back MVP. A repeat MVP season may be a stretch considering the improvements to other players across the league but it should not be considered out of the question.
With so many scoring options on the Nets roster, it is difficult to tell if Tomas will be top 3 option this season which may impact his statistics and in turn impact his ability to repeat such a season but any team would be lucky to have a PG of his caliber.
2000 Stats: 20 ppg, 7 apg, 5 rpg, 1.7 spg, 2.8 tpg
2001 Projected Stats: 16 ppg, 7 asp, 4 rpg, 2.0 spg
#2 Bogdan Bogdanovic (Knicks) - C+ A- B B+ C- B
Bogdan may not look like the sexiest player in the league based on his attributes but the man can play. Although listed as a SG, I suspect he will continue to take the PG reigns in the big apple. Bogdan's 2000s season saw him awarded a position on the All-League 2nd Team putting up great all around numbers leading the squeaking the Knicks into a playoff spot.
Similar numbers should be expected in the upcoming season, however unlike others on this list expect less growth moving forward. Bogdan currently sits #2 but this may be his last appearance on this list based on the growth and development around the league. Long term he may be better suited at the SG position but there is no question he is currently a top ITP PG.
2000 Stats: 21 ppg, 7 asp, 5 rpg, 1.8 spg, 3.5 tpg
2001 Projected Stats: 21 ppg, 6 apg, 5 rpg 1.5 spg, 3.5 tpg
#3 Damian Lillard (Hornets) - B- A- B+ A- C A
Giving up a promising Terrance Ross, three 1st round picks in 2001, 2002, and 2003 the Hornets went all in on Lillard with and as expected it has payed off. The young PG impressed in season 1 putting up impressive scoring and assist numbers.
Surprisingly, Lillard did not make an all NBA team in 2000 but expect that to change in 2001. With a great team surrounding the young PG, his assists are certain to be at the top of the league.
If Damian can improve on turnovers he is pushing for the #1 spot on this list. The turnovers will improve with time and continued camping so expect him to be at #1 by as early as next season.
2000 Stats: 15 ppg, 8 asp, 5 rpg, 1.6 spg, 4.4 tpg
2001 Projected Stats: 18 ppg, 8 apg, 2.0 spg, 3.5 tpg
#4 Marcus Smart (Trailblazers) - C+ A- A- B+ C- A
Marcus should shine in 2001 on a Portland team without other #1 options. Although, Portland doesn't have the most impressive players, the team should be able to be compete with a solid distributor. We are all aware of Marcus' defensive and stealing capabilities but has now emerged as a perennial offensive threat as well.
Expect Marcus to make an all NBA team and demonstrate his capabilities as a potential all defensive PG. Marcus has clearly become a PG to build a team around and is the perfect building block for a developing Portland team.
2000 Stats: 15 ppg, 7 asp, 5 rpg, 2.2 spg, 2.7 tpg
2001 Projected Stats: 20 ppg, 8 apg, 2.5 spg, 3.0 tpg
#5 Tony Parker (Kings) - C+ B- A- B+ D+ A
Expect big things from Tony Parker this year with a very impressive training camp, coming into the 2021 season looking like a potential all star. After a rough first season, it looks like the Kings have their star of the future. The Kings have a log jam of solid PGs including Tony, Gilbert and Livingston all of which are capable starters meaning one of them will need to play out of position, likely Gilbert, which isn't expected to be an issue.
The Kings, acquired Parker via trade for a couple of 1sts, 2nds and cash. This may have been one of the best trades during the 2000 season.
Tony's handling is exceptional, which will aid with low turnovers while providing great assist numbers. If his scoring can keep up, expect a break out season for him. Continue to expect exceptional growth over the the next seasons with a very high potential.
2000 Stats: 7.9 ppg, 5 asp, 3 rpg, 1.1 spg, 1.9 tpg
2001 Projected Stats: 14 ppg, 8 apg, 3 rpg 1.5 spg, 2.0 tpg
Let me know your thoughts on who I may have missed, potential future PGs that may make the list and who may fall off come next season.
1st Team Article for 2001 Season.
