As the NBA moves away from the high-scoring, fast-paced action of the 1980s and '90s and into an era of defense and halfcourt offense, solid point guard play is becoming that much more important and appreciated.

In 2005, Steve Nash, with the run n' gun Phoenix Suns, became the first true point guard to win an MVP award since Magic Johnson in 1990, and Chauncey Billups and Tony Parker have both won Finals MVP awards in the past five years. An infusion of youth at the position, led by Deron Williams and Chris Paul, have made point guards one of the deepest classes in the league.

Before I begin ranking my top 10, I'd like to offer my apologies to TJ Ford, Andre Miller, Mike Bibby, and Rajon Rondo. In my opinion, Bibby's best days are behind him, and Rondo's are yet to come.

I realize Rondo won a championship ring last year with the Celtics and has shown the ability to dominate games, but he is not a big enough factor in their success or a good enough all-around player to make this list yet. Also, as a clarification note, I'd like to say that I look at Allen Iverson as a shooting guard, not a point guard. Other than that, here it is: the top 10 point guards in the NBA.

10. Devin Harris (NJN)

Maybe I'm biased as a Nets fan, but this guy clearly belongs here and might only rise on this list. This year, Harris is scoring 22.5 points per game, averaging 6.3 assists, and is reaching the free throw line an astounding 11.3 times a game.

His biggest weakness is his jump shot (he's shooting 45 percent from the field), but Harris is so fast with and without the ball that he can score with only layups in traffic and free throws. Harris is the forgotten guy in the discussion of the best young point guards in the league, and might be the best scorer out of the group.

9. Derrick Rose (CHI)

I am completely sold on this guy. He has a chance to become one of the best players in the NBA, never-mind point guards. Rose is remarkably explosive with the ball, getting into the paint almost effortlessly. His jump shot is a concern, but he's shown an ability to score from mid-range as well as at the basket.

Rose has posted 18.4 PPG, dishing out 5.8 dimes, and shooting 85 percent on free throws. Poohdini (no really, that's his nickname) is just scratching at the surface, and was well the worth the Bulls' No. 1 pick in the draft.

8. Jason Kidd (DAL)

This is a more of a lifetime achievement recognition than anything else, as Kidd is not playing like a top ten point guard this year. His shooting is still a huge question mark, and as his legs have slowed down his defense and play on the fast-break has suffered.

All of that being said, Kidd is still one of the best rebounding guards in the league and a constant triple double threat. It will be very interesting to see if he can pick up his play and lead Dallas to the playoffs this year, or if he really is on his last legs.

7. Jose Calderon (TOR)

Probably the most unheralded player on this list, Calderon is one of the most efficient players in the NBA. The Spaniard is a career 50% shooter, and is 40-40 from the free throw line for an unbeatable 100 percent.

In addition, Calderon has an assist to turnover ratio of 4.73:1, easily the best in the league. Although he's not a big scorer, averaging only 13.2 PPG, he makes the Raptors better every-time he steps on the court with his ability to hit open jump shots and find open teammates. 

6. Baron Davis (LAC)

Davis has had his struggles this year both on the court and off it with coach Mike Dunleavy, but is one of the most athletically gifted guards in the league. Baron is scoring 17.1 PPG and dishing out 8.1 assists, and his ability to overpower smaller guards (he is 6-3, 215 pounds) might be unmatched.

Davis needs to start shooting fewer threes, as he's only hitting 29 percent of them, but his ability to score, play physical defense, and his track record place him at No. 6 on this list.

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