Top 10 Point Guards in the NBA

It is very important when making any kind of ranking that you specify the criteria you're judging by.

So what constitutes being a good point guard?

It is the point guard's job to run the show—to distribute the ball to his teammates in a way that is most beneficial to scoring the basketball.

This distribution should be typically even, but should also allow for alteration due to the flow of the game. While it is important to get everyone involved, it is equally important to get the ball into the hands of whoever is hot.

Secondly, the best point guards have the ability to sense when their team is struggling and become a scorer. For this cause it is imperative for a good point guard to be able to find his rhythm quickly.

This list describes the point guards in the NBA who are the best at giving their teammates the ball in a good scoring position. The best are the most consistent and a few have that rare ability to turn it on and take over a game whenever they need to.

1. Steve Nash (Phoenix Suns)

Wow! Where to start? Steve Nash is hands down the best in the league. He has averaged double digit assists the last four years and currently leads the league at 11.8 per game which paces the best offense in the league.

When he's not busy picking apart defenses with his deadly accurate passes, he scores almost at will. His deadly jumper is basically guaranteed if he's left alone (which is often the case because defenses overcompensate to defend his passing). He finishes in the paint with the best of them. His fadeaway 15-footer is unguardable. He shoots over 47 percent from three, 51 percent from the field, and 90 percent from the line.

Simply put, he is the most efficient offensive player in the league. The only beef anybody has with his game is his defense. His lateral quickness isn't exactly stellar. But this list is about offensive productivity, so Nash is without question my No. 1, despite the massive game of the next guard on my list.

2. Jason Kidd (New Jersey Nets)

Jason Kidd's career has been unbelievable. He is second all time in triple-doubles. This speaks of longevity and consistent all-around play on his part. This year he is two boards a game away from averaging a triple-double!

His age doesn't seem to have slowed him down. His inspired play on the court shows great professionalism despite his vocal desire for a trade. His long consistent career propelled him slightly ahead of the next guard on my list.

3. Chris Paul (New Orleans Hornets)

Chris Paul is everything you could want in a point guard—smart, efficient, flashy, and skilled. He is an excellent passer, ball-handler, scorer, and is even one of the best rebounding point guards in the league (4.0 RPG), trailing only Baron Davis and Jason Kidd.

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