One of the things we have learned from the NBA playoffs is that solid point guard play is vital for success. A point guard does not have to do anything special for his team to win, just manage the game. However, there are some point guards who are capable of taking over a game. Two players in particular have been doing it for years, but now it appears that two young guns are primed to take their spots as the elite NBA point guards.

ON THEIR WAY OUT

Jason Kidd, Dallas Mavericks

Kidd, a 14-year veteran out of California, has been tearing up the league since his first tour in Dallas. A certain Hall of Famer, Kidd has averaged a double-double three times and nine-plus assists 11 times in his career. The Mavericks acquired him midseason, hoping that he was the missing puzzle piece to their championship picture. Currently, Dallas is down 2-1 in their best-of-seven series with the New Orleans Hornets, and the Hornets have clearly been the better team, which is unfortunate for Kidd because the only thing he’s missing from his list of accolades is a ring.

Steve Nash, Phoenix Suns

Between Kidd’s two Dallas stints, Nash manned the point guard position for the Mavericks. He, along with Dirk Nowitzki and Michael Finley, is a primary reason why Dallas has been a perennial contender for the past decade. However, Nash’s career really took off when he was traded back to Phoenix four years ago. Since then, Nash has averaged a double-double four straight times and garnered two MVP awards. However, Phoenix is currently in danger of being swept out of the playoffs by the San Antonio Spurs, and for the 34-year-old Nash, his chances of winning a championship are quickly running out.

THE YOUNG GUNS

Chris Paul, New Orleans Hornets

The Hornets were 18-64 the year before drafting Paul. Three years later, New Orleans finished the regular season with 56 wins, a franchise record, and earned the two-seed in the Western Conference. Paul, who should win the MVP award this season, has been the catalyst for the quick turnaround. He averaged 21.1 points and a league-leading 11.6 assists per game this season, and he has shined in the playoffs, averaging 27.7 points and 12.3 assists in three games. It will certainly be a treat watching him play over the next 10 seasons.

Deron Williams, Utah Jazz

Another member of the 2005 draft class, Williams is quietly putting together the makings of an outstanding career. His stats have improved by leaps and bounds each season, topping out this year with 18.8 points and 10.5 assists per game. He was a surprising omission from the Western Conference’s All-Star roster, but he will make his fair share of appearances in the game during his career. The Jazz are currently leading the Houston Rockets, 2-1, in their first-round playoff series; Williams has averaged 23.3 points and 9.0 assists in the three games.