Top 15 Point Guards: 2013-14 NBA

1. Chris Paul, Los Angeles Clippers
The 6-0 playmaking wunderkind has been the best point guard in the NBA for at least six years and shows no signs of slowing. His defense is widely underrated, as well.

2. Tony Parker, San Antonio Spurs
After leading the Spurs to the NBA Finals and France to its first European championship, the crafty veteran has hit the peak of a Hall of Fame-bound career.

3. Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls
If he weren’t coming off an entire missed season, the 2010-11 NBA MVP might very well rank first or second on this list. But Rose has a lot to prove as he comes back from knee surgery.

4. Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
The best shooter in the NBA gained name recognition during the playoffs but was fantastic throughout his fourth season and has many comparing him to two-time MVP Steve Nash.

5. Deron Williams, Brooklyn Nets
Burdened by ankle problems for most of last season, the former Utah Jazz star played his best basketball since being traded to the Nets toward the end of the year and should resume his All-Star play after an offseason of rest.

6. Kyrie Irving, Cleveland Cavaliers
Perhaps the best ballhandler in the NBA, the 2011-12 rookie of the year exploded as a sophomore and could rise up this list very quickly if he can avoid injury finally.

7. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder
Though his playoffs were cut short by a torn meniscus, the five-year veteran has emerged as a superstar when healthy. Still, he will miss the first four to six weeks of the regular season, at least, so he slips from his superstar status just for this year.

8. John Wall, Washington Wizards
The Wizards were 24-25 with the 2010 No. 1 draft pick in the lineup, 5-28 without him. That shows the explosive one-man fast break’s value as well as anything.

9. Rajon Rondo, Boston Celtics
After tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in February, the mercurial star likely will miss a chunk of the season. But his court vision and determination are unquestionable.

10. Ty Lawson, Denver Nuggets
The fastest player in the NBA has also been one of the most consistent, playing efficient basketball while improving in various areas of the game each of his four seasons.

11. Jrue Holiday, New Orleans Pelicans
The 6-3 UCLA product reached the All-Star Game last season as a 22-year-old and should improve with better teammates after being traded by the Philadelphia 76ers.

12. Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers
Last season’s rookie of the year hopes not to fade during the stretch this season now that he has a legitimate backup, Mo Williams.

13. Mike Conley, Memphis Grizzlies
The lefty is one of the two or three best defensive point guards and showed offensive chops during a run to the Western Conference finals.

14. Steve Nash, Los Angeles Lakers
The two-time MVP spent most of last season hurt and is well past his prime at age 39, but he should be able to guide the Lakers while Kobe Bryant sits. 

15. George Hill, Indiana Pacers
On a defensive-minded team, the IUPUI product is the heart of the offense while also more than holding up his end on the other end.