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This question is based on two widespread assumptions:

1. That most basketball observers feel that Steve Nash is the NBA's undisputed #1 floor general.

2. That the title of "Second Best" is up for debate, with a number of worthy contenders vying for that distinction.

As an avid basketball fan and NBA watcher, I concur on both counts and can state with confidence that based on all of the "contenders" respective bodies of work (over the last NBA season and ensuing playoffs), this distinction belongs to none other than Deron Williams, the second-year point guard of the Utah Jazz.

In a debate such as this one, the goal is to reach a consensus #2. When there are disparate styles of play and other odd factors to be taken into consideration, the best way to measure is to establish the standard criteria by which each respective point guards effectiveness/ineffectiveness can be judged. In the interest of brevity, I will focus on the four criterion that most closely exemplify a superior lead guard:

The ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates
The ability to control tempo to best suit his team's style of play
The ability to exhibit leadership when his team needs it
Demonstration of "clutch" ability during crunch-time

For the sake of argument, let's compare and contrast three widely respected, prominent NBA point guards Deron Williams, Chauncey Billups, and Tony Parker, based on the above criteria - during last seasons' playoffs.

Deron was a dominant force in the Jazz's playoff run, single-handedly exhibiting point making, clutch shooting, and leadership, all while controlling the tempo in eliminating the Houston Rockets and the Golden State Warriors. In addition to increasing upon his regular season scoring and assist averages, he made sure their best post player (Carlos Boozer) received the ball in his favorite spots on the floor, leading to a career year for Boozer. He also consistently created wide-open shooting opportunities for his perimeter players by breaking the defense down off the dribble and getting into the lane at will. When his defender backed off him, Williams consistently found the range from the perimeter. And last but not least, when his team had to have a basket, Deron found a way to score or draw contact and get to the line. Even when his team ran into the buzz saw that was this year's San Antonio Spurs, Williams still had a number of big games, one even while weakened due to exhibiting flu-like symptoms. Playing sick or injured, yet still

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