by Travis Gordon

Created on: May 01, 2008   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

This season, we have seen the re-emergence of the pass-first point guard. Over the past three seasons, only one point guard has reached the 10apg mark Steve Nash. This season, four point guards in the NBA have averaged at least 10 assists per contest. Leading the way is MVP candidate Chris Paul, followed by Steve Nash, Deron Williams and Jason Kidd. Paul led the league with 11.6apg and accumulated a total of 925 assists over 80 games.

Paul was by far the best point guard in the league this season as he was both a deadly scorer and a premier passer. What makes him such a great point guard is his ability to push on the fast break and not falter while doing so. All good point guards can see the court, but Paul's ability to anticipate where his teammates will be when they are running the floor is what separates him from the pack. The Hornets move at a relatively fast pace, and as a result Paul has to lead his passes to where his teammates are going to be, rather than where they are. His scorer ability also allows him to attract double teams, thereby leaving teammates open. Paul knows when to shoot and when to pass, which ultimately makes him a top player and very skilled point guard.

Steve Nash is in a situation very similar to Chris Paul's. His team also frequents a fast-paced offense, and as a result, Nash has to anticipate his teammates' moves. Nash is arguably the best passer in the league today, as his ability to thread a pass through traffic or create for his teammates is unmatched. Nash pays close attention to what works and what doesn't. He plays off his teammates' strengths and as a result, he gets the easy assist. Nash and teammate Amare Stoudemire have perfected the pick-and-roll, and although it is a very simple play, Nash uses it again and again to break down opposing defenses. Nash's shooting ability is also very well respected, and similarly to Paul, can attract double teams, which leaves a teammate open for a good shot.

Deron Williams has proven in his third NBA season that he is a superstar point guard in the making. Williams has a very polished jump-shot and can hurt a team in many ways on the offensive end of the floor. His size is above average for a point guard, which allows him to get the upper hand on his defensive counterpart. This advantage allows him to get by his defender, attract a help defender and pass the ball out to the open man. His ability to slash towards the basket and pass out is one of his key assets, and what makes him one of

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