Ford article from Insider about the 3 PGs

[Admin]

Great point guards are one of the rarest commodities in any NBA draft. Only a great center is more uncommon.

In the last 10 years, only one draft, in 1999, had three legit point guards taken in the top 10 picks (Steve Francis, Baron Davis and Andre Miller).

This year, that feat likely will be matched again as Chris Paul, Deron Williams and Raymond Felton are all expected to be taken in the top 10.

For months, scouts argued that Paul was at the top of the class, with Williams and Felton fighting for second place.

Until Monday, that was speculation. None of the three point guards had worked out against each other. Nor had they all worked out for the same team.

Now, however, Bobcats GM and head coach Bernie Bickerstaff can claim that he's the only guy to get up close and personal with all three.

On Friday, Paul worked out individually for the Bobcats. On Monday, Williams and Felton went head-to-head for the first time in draft workouts (Williams previously had refused to work out against Felton, in a stop in New Orleans).

How did they compare? Chances are the Bobcats will select one of the three on draft night. Always-candid Bickerstaff talked with Insider on Monday evening to give us the lowdown.

Monday's workout "was about as competitive as it gets," Bickerstaff said. "Nobody stepped back. Both guys were really impressive. They worked really hard, and they competed."

Bickerstaff sounded especially impressed with Williams. Williams has lost 15 pounds and is in the best shape of his career, and it clearly has helped. Bickerstaff said he didn't have any concerns about Williams' quickness on either end of the floor.

"He stayed right with Felton, who may be the fastest player in the draft," Bickerstaff said. "On the defensive end, he really plays with a purpose. I like how he talks on defense. He's real strong. There won't be any problems."

Scouts have known for some time that Williams will be able to hang defensively. The big question is whether he'll be able to get by anyone offensively. Point guards who are unable to create their own shot or get to the basket struggle in the NBA. Bickerstaff isn't worried there, either.

"Yeah, he can get by," Bickerstaff said. "He's real strong with his first thrust. If he touches you, he creates space. His real quick to his peak on his jump shot. Both guys [Williams and Felton] also have a real nice in-between game."

But wouldn't Williams be better in a slower-paced, half-court offense? And Felton in a run-and-gun situation? Bickerstaff isn't so sure.

"I think they'll both be effective in the transition game," Bickerstaff said. "Felton is great advancing the ball with the dribble. Williams advances it with the pass. The key is having someone to throw it to."

"I think the key for Deron is that he has great size and a great basketball IQ. Now he also has a good body. I think that's why the consensus is that he might be a little ahead."

Bickerstaff also had kind words for Felton.

"Felton will play in this league," Bickerstaff said. "He's strong; he's a great athlete; and he's a better shooter than people think. He does a great job of using his body around the basket. He just needs to slow down a bit. Felton's not far behind those other guys."

Bickerstaff then went through a laundry list of attributes on each player. Williams has the size. Felton has the quickness. Paul has the shooting and ability to play both styles of basketball.

What went unsaid was that both Paul and Felton are local products. That also will factor into the Bobcats' decision. All things being equal, the local guy will sell more tickets.

"They're all pretty damn good," Bickerstaff said. "I don't think there's a big gap between those three. They all have their own strengths and are really contrasting point guards."

Deron Williams still on the rise?

If Bickerstaff sounds as though he's gushing a bit about Williams, he isn't alone.

The Hawks and the Hornets also have fallen in love with Williams to the point that they might take him over Paul if both players are on the board. Clearly, Williams' superior size and strength, combined with revelations that he's more athletic than scouts had believed, are fueling his meteoric rise.

There's even been talk that the Hawks might select Williams with the No. 2 pick in the draft over Marvin Williams if Andrew Bogut goes No. 1.

In fact, that's partly why the Hawks have been reluctant to deal the No. 2 pick to the Bobcats for the No. 5 and the No. 13. It isn't that they're afraid to pass on Williams. It's that they don't believe Williams will be on the board at No. 5 they think the Hornets would grab him at No. 4 if he ended up still being available.

That's somewhat at odds with what Marvin Williams told us during the Chicago predraft camp media day. Williams told Insider then that the Hawks had told him they'd select him with the second pick if he were available. Williams is scheduled to work out in Atlanta later this week.

Although it's doubtful the Bobcats would select Deron Williams at No. 2 if they moved up in the draft, you have to wonder after Bickerstaff's talk Monday.

For Insider's purposes, we still have Paul rated one spot ahead of Williams on our draft board. His combination of speed, shooting ability and an uncanny feel for the game make him the best overall point-guard prospect in the draft.

It's pretty clear, though, that it's no longer the consensus opinion.

[Blunt91]

Thanks for the article, pretty good read.