Apr. 19, 2012; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward (32) Blake Griffin talks with guard (3) Chris Paul in the first half against the Phoenix Suns at the US Airways Center. The Suns defeated the Clippers 93-90. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE

When it comes to true point guards, the first name to come to mind is Chris Paul.  Here’s a guy who went to the Clippers and they end up winning a playoff series. He also placed third in MVP voting, so you can see how valuable of a player he is.  He can also lock down on defensive as he’s been right near the top of the league in steals.  He helped USA get the Gold this past summer,and should help the Clippers become more of a recognized Los Angeles team this coming season.

Deron Williams

Mar 21, 2012; Newark, NJ, USA; New Jersey Nets point guard Deron Williams (8) brings the ball up court during the second half against the Washington Wizards at the Prudential Center. Washington Wizards defeat the New Jersey Nets 108-89. Mandatory Credit: Jim O

I’d view Deron Williams as the face of the Brooklyn Nets, which is huge as they’re moving to a new arena, and want that lull of being the plain old Nets into something more.  Deron can help turn that around.  He’s another true point guard, who can look for others and get his own points when asked.  I remember he torched the Indiana Pacers in a game, so I always give credit where credit is due.  He could help Joe Johnson find better avenues to score as the Nets look to make a leap in the Eastern Conference.

Derrick Rose

Apr 28, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls point guard Derrick Rose (1) reacts to scoring during the third quarter in the Eastern Conference quarterfinals of the 2012 NBA Playoffs against the Philadelphia 76ers at the United Center. The Bulls won 103-91. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-US PRESSWIRE

Derrick Rose is the type of player who goes out there with nothing left in the tank afterwards.  He is so aggressive in the lane, it’s no wonder he ended up injuring himself so much last season and wound up missing the entire playoffs.  But that’s the type of play you want from a point guard.  I had a hard time deciding if he was a “point guard.”  Ultimately, thinking that the way he leads the Chicago Bulls is point guard status.

Russell Westbrook

Jun 19 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook (0) agains the Miami Heat during the third quarter of game four in the 2012 NBA Finals at the American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE

On any other team, Russell Westbrook is the star player.  Right now, he does player number two to Kevin Durant, but can play number one when called upon. Both guys can score.  But Westbrook has gotten better in his point guard role. He can look for the other players on the floor, and isn’t afraid to voice his opinion about what’s going on.

Rajon Rondo

June 9, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Boston Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo (9) passes over Miami Heat shooting guard Dwyane Wade (3) during the second quarter in game seven of the 2012 NBA Eastern Conference finals at the American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE

Boy did my opinion change on Rondo once I actually sat and watched him play in the playoffs.  Going out and playing a full game plus overtime and producing the way he did is saying something.  He’s almost like Derrick Rose and Dwayne Wade with the way he plays.  No caution to the wind and drives down the lane like no one is there.  He can find those great passing lanes that sometimes end up as a turnover because the other guy doesn’t realize he’s open there.  He’s a vocal guy as well, which earns him a bit of a bad rep.  There’s no denying now the Celtics are his team with the age of Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett.

Tony Parker

Jun 06, 2012; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; San Antonio Spurs point guard Tony Parker (9) drives to the basket around Oklahoma City Thunder shooting guard Thabo Sefolosha (2) during the first half in game six of the Western Conference finals of the 2012 NBA playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-US PRESSWIRE

Here’s a guy who had a great season last year after falling off a bit the season before.  There’s no doubt what a tremendous player Tony Parker is for the Spurs as evident by his fourth place finish in MVP voting.  He’s got his own style of play as well and can get guys to where they’re in great positions to score.  He’s got a couple of years left with Tim Duncan, so hopefully they can continue the success they’ve had.

Lebron James

Jun 21, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat small forward LeBron James (6) and Oklahoma City Thunder small forward Kevin Durant (35) go for a loose ball during the third quarter of game five in the 2012 NBA Finals at the American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-US PRESSWIRE

Do I need to say anything more about Lebron James? I could say that the difference between how good James is and everyone else is huge.  Sure, Kevin Durant is great.  Kobe Bryant can still play.  Even teammate, Dwayne Wade, is up there in top star players.  Lebron James can do it all and play it all at any position.  There’s already been the ongoing debate of Lebron and Jordan, and now that James has a championship, that might be fuel for the fire.  If Lebron wins number two, and can get close to averaging a triple double, like I think he can, that would bring some critics over to his side.

Kevin Durant

Jun 17, 2012; Miam, FL, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder small forward Kevin Durant (35) is guarded by Miami Heat small forward LeBron James (6) during the fourth quarter in game three in the 2012 NBA Finals at the American Airlines Arena. Miami won 91-85. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-US PRESSWIRE

The silky smooth shooter who has length that looks to just go on for ages is up there for the top of the top.  I love watching this guy shooting because his form is perfect.  You feel like everything shot is going in, and he makes it look so easy.  He can score at will as he’s been the league’s leading scorer for the past three years.  If it weren’t for Lebron’s season last year, you’re looking at an MVP for Durant at 23 years old.  What more can he do to get up there?  Possibly improve his defensive game.  That’s the area, where I don’t hear his name mentioned a lot.  This coming season should be his for MVP.

Chris Paul

May 13, 2012; Memphis, TN, USA; Los Angeles Clippers power forward Blake Griffin (32) gestures to point guard Chris Paul (3) during the first half of game seven in the Western Conference quarterfinals of the 2012 NBA Playoffs against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedEx Forum. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden-US PRESSWIRE

Here’s one of the few true point guards, who can look for guys first, and still get his own points when needed. He’s also a defensive player, and showed that by leading the league in steals.  He was able to step up for the Clippers, and get third in MVP voting.  Quite the turnaround for him after an off year in New Orleans.  Another season working with Blake Griffin should help out both guys.

Derrick Rose

Apr 28, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls point guard Derrick Rose (1) brings the ball down the court during the first quarter in the Eastern Conference quarterfinals of the 2012 NBA Playoffs against the Philadelphia 76ers at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-US PRESSWIRE

This is someone that I think people forget about as he was injured for a good part of last season and then got injured in the post season. But there’s no denying that the Bulls are not the same team without him. It’s amazing to think they finished up with the top record in the NBA without Rose. But the playoffs showed how much he was needed. He’s such an aggressive player that even coming back I don’t think he’ll change his game. He’s a guy out there that really leads the team.  He’s got a killer instinct and he can play his position quite well.

Who would you say is the cream of the crop in the NBA?