Is CEDRIC JACKSON the best point guard in NBL history? In the challenge to highlight the best floor general in the League’s history - considerations would have to include longevity, reliability, consistency and a touch of the x-factor. While the argument used to primarily focus on 15-year veterans Ricky Grace and Darryl McDonald – new Melbourne United signing Cedric Jackson has forced his way into the mix, with exceptional performances in his first four seasons. In one of the most game-changing signings of the NBL off-season, Jackson’s transfer from the New Zealand Breakers to Melbourne is a dramatic move that will change the fabric of both teams. The biggest question will be whether the proven Championship-winner will be able to apply his talents to a club that have not won a playoff game since they switched to the Melbourne United moniker two years ago. Jackson is the only player in history to win three Championships in his first three seasons in the NBL, and almost made it four straight – before dropping Game Three in the 2016 decider. The 30-year old has led the League in assists in all four seasons he has played – no other player has achieved this – and was named as Grand Final MVP in 2013 and 2015. He has recorded the NBL’s last five triple doubles, and is the only player to have a triple double to his name in the last six years. Jackson is also the most “winningest” active player with 95 wins from 130 outings – an impressive record of 73.1 per cent. See how “Action Jackson” stacks up. RICKY GRACE Ricky Grace began his NBL career in controversial circumstances, with head coach Alan Black released from the Perth Wildcats after just two games. After a rocky start, the Wildcats went on to win their first ever Championship – and remain the only team ever to win a title from fifth place on the ladder. Grace was named Grand Final MVP in their successful season and a legendary career had begun. Over the next 16 years, Grace would finish as the all-time games played leader for the Wildcats, with 482 matches to his name. He was the first player in NBL history to win four Championships at the same club, (1990, 1991, 1995, 2000) and was twice runner-up (1993, 2003). In 1993, Grace became the only player in Grand Final history to be named as Larry Sengstock Medalist from a losing team, and finished his NBL career third all-time in assists (3470) after leading the League in assists in 2003 and 2004. Grace was named a member of the NBL’s 25^th anniversary team in 2003 and was admitted into the Australian Basketball Hall of Fame in 2010. DARRYL MCDONALD Darryl McDonald was a late starter to the NBL at 29 years and 9 months old, but soon had the record books tumbling as the rookie in the history of the League to average more than 10 assists per game in his first year. In a sensational debut in 1994, D-Mac not only carried the North Melbourne Giants to the Grand Final, but in Game One became the first player ever to record a triple double and hit the game-winning shot at the end of overtime. McDonald went on to lead the League in assists a record seven times and was runner-up another five. In his 15-year career, he led the League in all-time steals (1249) and second in assists (3518). D-Mac’s career ended the way it started – with Championship glory in 2008. The 43-year old racked up three Championships and was a runner-up four times in his 486 games. Coincidently, he also happened to play in Ricky Grace’s last ever game in February 2005 when the Tigers eliminated the Wildcats at the Cage.

Career averages:	points	assists	steals	rebounds	turnovers	Career win %
Ricky Grace	18.26	7.20	1.52	4.20	4.25	63.90
Darryl McDonald	12.98	7.24	2.57	4.54	3.73	63.17
Cedric Jackson	13.80	6.41	2.13	5.74	3.10	73.08
Cedric Jackson (ADJUSTED)	16.56*	7.70*	2.55*	6.89*	3.73*

*Jackson’s adjusted numbers have been altered to match the 48-minute era that Grace and McDonald played.