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21. Dennis Smith Jr. – New York Knicks
The New York Knicks went out and spent money on a middling, non-shooting point guard, in Elfrid Payton. It is possible that they give him the nod due to the investment. They shouldn’t, however.
Dennis Smith Jr. is still a high-ceiling point guard who is filled with potential. He also matches the Knicks timeline as they still shouldn’t be very good this year.
For his career, Smith Jr. has per-game averages of 14.5 points, 5.0 assists, and 3.4 rebounds (per Basketball-Reference).
20. Ricky Rubio – Phoenix Suns
Ricky Rubio signed a three-year, $51 million deal with the Phoenix Suns this summer. While Rubio hasn’t lived up to his lofty expectations when he entered the NBA, he has been very good throughout his career.
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Rubio will also be a major benefit to the growth of Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton, which will be huge for the Suns’ development as a team.
Per Basketball-Reference, Rubio has per-game averages of 11.1 points, 7.7 assists, and 4.2 rebounds for his career.
19. Rajon Rondo – Los Angeles Lakers
LeBron James will be the de-facto point guard for the Lakers but Rajon Rondo will likely be on the floor at tip-time. However, the Lakers could elect to go big and roll a starting lineup of James, Avery Bradley, Kyle Kuzma, Anthony Davis, and Dwight Howard out.
Rondo is seen as an excellent leader and his basketball IQ is off the charts. He has had a fantastic career to this point. Rondo carries per game averages of 10.4 points, 8.5 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per Basketball-Reference.