by Andrew Bohardt

Created on: December 15, 2008

Aside from the traditional center, point guard is the position with the least amount of depth in the NBA. This is somewhat surprising considering the importance of the position; point guards are expected to be a coach on the court for their team, running the offense and helping to control the flow of the game. In recent years, four players have stood out as the league's best at accomplishing these tasks.

1. Chris Paul, New Orleans Hornets - The year before Paul entered the league, the Hornets finished the season with an atrocious 18-64 record. Three years after drafting the Wake Forest prospect, the Hornets went 56-26, a franchise record. The dramatic turnaround is no coincidence; Paul finished second in the MVP race a year ago, and rightfully so, as he averaged 21.1 ppg, 11.6 apg and 2.7 spg. He is putting up similiar numbers this season, and the Hornets are right back in the thick of the playoff race in the Western Conference.

2. Deron Williams, Utah Jazz - Williams' scoring has taken a hit this season, down 6.5 points from last season's average, but he still records a double-double on a nightly basis. He has been in a season-long slump from the field (shooting just 38.8 percent compared to 50.7 percent last season), but once he gets on track, his numbers should increase. With his all-around game leading the way, the Jazz may finally capture an NBA Championship for long-time coach Jerry Sloan.

3. Jason Kidd, Dallas Mavericks - At age 35, it's amazing how well Kidd still performs on a nightly basis. He's still putting up 8.5 apg and 2.6 spg this season, and he has a legitimate shot of racking up his 15,000th career point and his 10,000th career assist this season, an unbelievable feat. It's unfortunate he's never won a championship, but Kidd is still considered one of the best point guards in NBA history.

4. Steve Nash, Phoenix Suns - Nash has aged pretty quickly over the past year, but he's still putting up strong numbers this season, averaging 15.2 ppg and 8.5 apg. His statisical dropoff probably has something to do with former coach Mike D'Antoni leaving for the same position with the New York Knicks, but Nash also looks a step slower this season than in previous years. Nevertheless, with a couple MVP awards under his belt, Nash can still play at a high level and could still warrant a trip to the All-Star game this season.

Honorable Mentions: Tony Parker - San Antonio Spurs, Baron Davis - Los Angeles Clippers.

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