Born To Lead: The Top 10 Floor Generals in the NBA

Some NBA players are born leaders, while others are thrust into the role due to circumstance or chance.

Due to genetics or sheer force of will there are some players who were built to command. They are the unquestioned authority for their team, and win or lose, the credit or blame falls on their shoulders.

They thrive under the pressure of the game and their ranks are comprised of intellectuals, strategists, and dominant personalities who can demand attention with a simple glare.

These are the top floor generals in the NBA, men who trust their own wisdom and are still an extension of their coach's concepts.

Some are more vocal than others, and some set the standards of leadership by their actions on the floor.

History has taught us that people tend to gravitate toward undeniable authority, and these players have their teammate's attention and respect.

There are generally two types of people in the world, those who lead and the rest that follow.

Although there are a number of point guards on this list, leadership is not defined by position, it can come from the paint or the perimeter.

Let me know if you agree with my picks and if not, feel free to offer your alternative choices. These are my choices for the best leaders in the NBA, and I hope you enjoy the show.

10- Jeff Green

Kevin Durant may be the star in Oklahoma City, but it is Jeff Green that the young Thunder team look to for guidance.

Green is mature beyond his years and is capable of being vocal or leading by example. On a team full of young players, Green stands out because of his instinct and knowledge of the game.

Green is often the spark plug that gets the Thunder rolling and his teammates feed off of his emotion.

Durant gets all the raves around the league, but Green's steady play and leadership are the reasons that some feel Oklahoma City could challenge for a playoff spot.

His college coach, John Thompson, instilled the confidence in Green to be a general and Green has impressively accepted that mantle.

9- Gilbert Arenas

Until recently Gilbert Arenas was always willing to give you his opinion on any subject that was mentioned. He decided to mute his voice, but his game speaks volumes.

The return of Arenas to the Wizards has given the team focus and has immediately made them a viable threat in the Eastern Conference.

Arenas demands the ball in pressure situations and is more than willing to live with the consequences of his actions. His energy and charisma provide motivation and direction for his team.

The fact that he has been able to return to his all-star form after three knee surgeries speaks to the passion and dedication he has for the game.

The Wizards have the potential to make some noise if they can make the postseason, and they will go as far as Arenas can lead them.

8- Kevin Garnett

In Kevin Garnett's absence the Boston Celtics went from NBA title favorites to an early second-round exit in last year's playoffs.

His talent was definitely missed by the Celtics, but his leadership and authority were irreplaceable.

Garnett demands his team's attention and is not afraid to criticize teammates if they make mistakes.

He is also a calming influence for some of the Celtics' other players and his emotion and energy help set the tone for Boston.

Boston's hopes will ride on the shoulders of their fiery leader, and if their blazing start is any indication, he will bear the burden well.

7- Dwyane Wade

The way Dwyane Wade throws his body around the court would inspire any player to follow him.

He is one of the hardest working players in the game and motivates his teammates through his selfless play. If they see him going 100 percent on every play, how could they refuse to?

He has inspired Michael Beasley to play harder, and has seemed to rejuvenate Jermaine O'Neal's career.

The way he sacrifices himself at all costs is one of the reasons he is one of the league's most refreshing superstars.

The Heat is a team of overachievers and Wade's leadership has them in the hunt for the playoffs. There are teams that are better than the Heat, but through Wade's determination, they have to prove it every game.

6- Chris Paul

Chris Paul is quite possibly the most talented point guard in the NBA, and his remarkable skills are what define his leadership.

His teammates know that if they are open, then Paul will find them, and he has the uncanny instincts to get his players the ball in the best possible scoring position.

Although slight in build, Paul plays the game with a fierce intensity and is unafraid to mix it up with anyone.

He is a supreme competitor and he invokes that same response from his teammates. The Hornets are not a great team, but with Paul at the helm, they sometimes play above their talent.

5- Deron Williams

Deron Williams seems as if he has been playing the point guard position for years. If Chris Paul is the most talented, then Williams' all-around game might make him the best.

Williams understands situations better than most points, and is able to adjust his game accordingly. He is constantly pushing his teammates and is a vocal floor leader.

His coach trusts him to make the right decisions, and his maturity has earned him the respect from the rest of his team.

He is equally effective on offense and defense and the rest of the Utah Jazz usually perform based on his play.

Simply put, when Williams has a bad night the Jazz have no other player capable of setting the tone.

Their fortunes will rise or fall based on the play of their talented leader.

4- Steve Nash

Phoenix Suns' point guard, Steve Nash is the master of teaching teammates on the fly. The only tempo he seems to know is ultra-fast.

He is constantly talking to teammates and coaching them where to be on the floor to receive his passes.

Players have said that they love to play with Nash because he always rewards them for their ability to get open.

An ultimate student of the game, Nash knows his players and understands where to get his teammates the ball to optimize scoring opportunities.

He is the engine that makes the Suns go, and his team feeds off of his energy and dedication.

3- Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant is a player that had to grow into a leadership role, and once he realized that potential, he dominated it.

He was once known for being to hard on his teammates but now his authority is unquestioned.

The rest of the Los Angeles Lakers look to Bryant for direction, and he can be both vocal and animated.

He is willing to criticize, and is the first player with words of encouragement when a mistake is made. The Lakers feed off of his play, and it is rare when a possession doesn't go through his hands.

He is an extension of coach Phil Jackson on the floor, and he is the only player on the Laker team that would be impossible to replace.

2- Jason Kidd

Dallas Mavericks point guard Jason Kidd is not the best athlete, but he is one of the best floor generals in the NBA.

He has been called the prototype, as he is all that you could ever want out of your lead guard. He runs the team with a steady hand and is probably one of the more cerebral guards in the league.

He has the vision to predict situations, and his experience has been invaluable to the Mavericks.

Star Dirk Nowitzki had the opportunity to play with both Nash and Kidd, and he says that Kidd is the best point guard that he has ever played with. That about sums it up.

1- Chauncey Billups

Chauncey Billups arrived in Denver and immediately left his imprint on the undisciplined Nuggets.

He changed the whole culture of their team and induced them to play together and play hard.

It was his influence that enabled Denver to advance in the playoffs, and he had them on the cusp of the NBA Finals.

Billups has the experience and the resume and he is natural born leader. His steady hand provided stability for Denver, and he has them playing like one of the top teams in the league.

Denver feels like they have a legitimate shot at winning a championship, and it is because of Billups that they harbor those thoughts.