Intro

I’m Japanese American, which means I’m short. So my affinity for the point guard position probably found its roots somewhere in my 5-7 frame.

Growing up height-challenged, also meant my basketball playing career was going to be a limited one. High school, check. Rec leagues, check. And of course, for those in the Asian American community, there’s the popular J-Leagues.

I’ve always loved to pass. Dai Tanaka was a dude I used to play with, who at this moment is probably somewhere in some gym, working on his J. Dai was a wizard with the ball. Boy could pass. I always tried to mold my game after his.

Scoring was never that big of a deal for me. I always wanted to make a sweet no-look dish. Drop a dime. I guess that love also comes from my Lakers roots, growing up watching the best passer to ever play the game.

It’s a great time right now in the NBA, especially if you enjoy the point guard position. The play of Chris Paul and Tony Parker has been out-of-this-world. And Devin Harris has stepped up his game in a huge way. Deron Williams has struggled due to his ankle injury, but he’s still second in the league in assists. Rajon Rondo has transformed the Boston Three Party into the Fantastic Four. And Chauncey Billups (a darkhorse MVP candidate) has the Nugs looking like a scary, scary first round opponent.

Then there are the points who have helped their team take the next step. On a bigger scale, Mo Williams has helped boost Cleveland into elite status. Ditto for Jameer Nelson and Orlando. Mike Bibby has the Hawks flying high.

On a smaller scale, the tandem of Steve Blake and Sergio Rodriguez have the Blazers stabilized at the one. The dynamic duo of Derek Fisher and Jordan Farmar, while surprisingly a lot less dynamic than last season, still have the Lakers sitting on a 20-3 record. And while perhaps not the ideal fit for a team supposedly looking to run-and-gun, Jose Calderon is still the epitome of efficiency.

Of course, the influx of the rookie class cannot be overlooked, especially since the cream of the crop, Derrick Rose, has made a Lebron-esque impact on his team in his maiden campaign. DJ Augustin’s play and mere presence has lit some sort of fire inside Raymond Felton. Mario Chalmers is 8th in the league in steals and has stepped right into a starting role. Mike Taylor’s lightning in a bottle. And Russell Westbrook, though taking his rookie lumps, has shown flashes of a future all-star.

As for the older guard (excuse the pun) Jason Kidd has brushed aside reports of his early demise perhaps energized by the play of Jose Juan Barea. Baron Davis has finally got his team rolling in the right direction. And though he’s missing Mike D like a tweaker misses meth, Steve Nash has played pretty well despite the massive overhaul of the roster and the change in offensive philosophy.

Even the losing teams have flickers of hope. Chris Duhon is dishing a career best 8.5 dimes a game. Beno Udrih’s played decent despite the horrific record. Mike Conley’s taken a liking to coming off the bench. And Ramon Sessions, if ever given the chance, will show people the triple-double threat he can be.

The point guard position is perhaps the most vital spot in basketball. Floor general. Assist man. Playmaker. Play caller. Creator. Distributor. Ballhandler.

This is what Dimes of Wisdom is all about. The best position in basketball.