Power Rankings: Where Immanuel Quickley lands among NBA’s Top 30 point guards

Tier 7: Trying to move on

Missed the Cut: Tier 7 stretches beyond the Top 30, encompassing the group of point guards a team shouldn't be comfortable relying on as their starter for whatever reason. That includes some aging veterans like Russell Westbrook, Kyle Lowry and Dennis Schroder; key backups like Payton Pritchard, Ayo Dosunmo and Scotty Pippen Jr.; and young players potentially on the rise like Dyson Daniels, Jaden Ivey and Cole Anthony.

Josh Giddey was the final cut (number 31, if you will) as his significant weaknesses pull down his strengths; he will have a chance to move up the list if he can blossom on a new team in Chicago.

30. D'Angelo Russell, Los Angeles Laker

There is a sweetspot to evaluating D'Angelo Russell, one that falls between the allure of his scoring numbers and the cynicism of how he has failed to be an above-average point guard for multiple playoff teams in a row. Finding that balance acknowledges his defensive deficiencies and inconsistent motor while also noting his shot-making, accurate shooting and creative passing.

29. Tre Jones, San Antonio Spurs

The San Antonio Spurs have the younger Jones brother now backing up Chris Paul, but as he improves and Paul ages the gap between them is narrowing. Tre Jones is not going to put up 35 points or hit seven 3-pointers in a game, but he is a steady hand, on-time passer and committed defender. That's the template for a long NBA career, and his chemistry with Victor Wembanyama was obvious as last season went on.

28. Malcolm Brogdon, Washington Wizards

Malcolm Brogdon is now 31 years old and suffers minor injuries at an astounding rate. When he is on the court, however, he remains a knockdown shooter and gifted passer who fits well alongside another ball-dominant player or coming off the bench as an offensively-oriented substitute. If he were to stay healthy he could significantly help a contending team as their third guard.