Cavs: Is Ricky Rubio the league’s best backup point guard?

Cavs: Evaluating the backup PGs – Up-and-comers

The other group of backup floor generals are the young “up-and-comers” in the league, players who aren’t necessarily better or worse than the previous group but have upside to continue growing. They might be less trustworthy than veteran options, but they also could become something greater over time.

The Los Angeles Lakers hope that applies to Kendrick Nunn and that he improves as the season goes along. Russell Westbrook will likely miss time due to injuries, and head coach Frank Vogel would like an option in case Westbrook is unplayable at the end of a game. Another Western Conference playoff squad, the Portland Trail Blazers, are hoping Anfernee Simons takes a leap so they can trade him or use him to replace Damian Lillard if he demands a trade.

Jalen Brunson of the Dallas Mavericks is on the cusp of the above tier, a talented player who can fit on or off the ball as a plus shooter and distributor. Luka Doncic is best defined as a point guard, but Brunson will even so play alongside Luka and potentially even close at times for the Mavericks.

The Atlantic Division has a trio of up-and-coming sophomores. Malachi Flynn of the Toronto Raptors didn’t show a ton as a rookie, but the Raptors have a lot of faith in him as the heir to Kyle Lowry. Payton Pritchard looked excellent in NBA Summer League and will likely play with both Dennis Schroder and Marcus Smart in Boston. Immanuel Quickley showed a lot for the New York Knicks last season but will be buried given the wave of new backcourt players.