Stephen Curry or Steve Nash: Who Is the Better NBA Point Guard Right Now?

I have always been intrigued by the similarities between Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry and Phoenix Suns point guard Steve Nash.

Both Curry and Nash are listed at 6'3, have similar playing styles, quickness, and possibly the two prettiest shooting strokes in the NBA.

Each player prefers to play the game at a break-neck pace, and while Nash has much better vision in the open court, Curry is rapidly improving as the floor general of the Warriors.

Neither Curry or Nash excel at the defensive end of the floor, but at times it has seemed that Nash could really care less about the finer points of defensive principles.

Nash has staked his career on being one of the more dynamic offensive point guards in NBA history, and his performances may have earned him a spot in the basketball Hall of Fame once his playing days are finally over.

Curry has a long way to go before his career can be compared to Nash's in a historical sense, but has Curry surpassed Nash as a point guard at this time in their respective careers?

For the season, Curry is averaging 21.7 points per game, 6.8 assists, and 3.3 rebounds, while shooting 51 percent from the floor and 38 percent from three point range.

Nash is averaging 18.7 points per game, 8.9 assists, 3.6 rebounds, and shooting 48 percent from the field and 44 percent from three point range.

Those numbers are so close that it's hard to really give an edge to either player based on statistics, but this season has provided several other clues that offer insight into the subject.

Nash and Curry are responsible for initiating their team's offenses, meaning each player has the ball in their hands the majority of the time.

Curry's turnover average of 3.5 per game could be lower, but Nash's 5.0 turnover average is atrocious, especially for a veteran with his experience.

Most observers will chalk up Nash's high turnover numbers with the frenetic style the Suns employ. There is some logic in that assumption, but five turnovers per game are simply to high for an elite point guard.

Curry also averages more points per game than Nash and shoots for a higher percentage from the field, yet shares the back court with Monta Ellis who just happens to be the NBA's highest scorer.

With the departure of Amare Stoudemire in free agency it was assumed that Nash's scoring average would rise, but the lack of a true post threat has actually made it easier for defenses to concentrate on Nash's penetration.

Nash' scoring has risen slightly from last season, but he has been forced to work harder to find open areas on the court. It doesn't help that he is a guard who naturally looks to pass the ball first.

Curry is a shooter by nature, but he has proved that he is capable of adapting to the role of facilitator without sacrificing his scoring, and the early season returns have been more favorable for the Warriors.

Curry has been a major reason for Golden State's 6-2 start, while Nash and the Suns have struggled to find a post identity in the absence of Stoudemire and find themselves stuck in the middle of the Western Conference at 3-4.

It's still much to early to tell if the Warriors will maintain a divisional lead over Phoenix, but it appears they have staying power with a new-found post presence in David Lee and some serious team defense.

I would likely give an edge to Nash at this point because his play may be the only reason Phoenix has managed to win 3 out of their first seven games, while Golden State has had some degree of success when Curry was briefly injured.

This duel will be one worth watching though, and as the season progresses fans may witness the birth of a new and improved version of Steve Nash. The only thing is that this one plays for the Golden State Warriors.