- Allen Iverson, 76ers
Ht./Wt. 6-0/165
Numbers: 30.7 pts., 7.9 ast., 2.4 stls
He is as fearless as he is talented, which is a dramatic combination considering he packages that with perhaps the most intense competitive spirit in the game today.
Steve Nash is amazingly proficient at making the game-winning play. (Barry Gossage / Getty Images)
- Steve Nash, Suns
Ht./Wt. 6-3, 195
Numbers: 15.5 pts., 11.5 ast., .99 stls
He became the prototype point guard last season, if he wasn’t already. He’s amazingly proficient at making the game-winning play, whether it is the assist or the shot that is required.
- Jason Kidd, Nets
Ht./Wt. 6-4, 210
Numbers: 14.4 pts., 8.3 ast., 1.86 stls
The previous title-holder, Kidd has to prove he’s all the way back from micro-fracture surgery on his knee. The Nets have a solid core to win the Atlantic Division and Kidd is behind the wheel to drive them there.
- Chauncey Billups, Pistons
Ht./Wt. 6-3, 205
Numbers: 16.5 pts., 5.8 ast., 1.01 stls
As each season passes, he becomes more natural at point guard and he is the inexorable floor leader of the two-time defending Eastern Conference champs. He’s the best at allowing the game to come to him and make clutch plays.
- Baron Davis, Warriors
Ht./Wt. 6-3, 220
Numbers: 19.2 pts., 7.9 ast., 1.76 stls
B.D. turned around the woeful Warriors last season and there are those who believe he is capable of carrying them to the playoffs this season. It may not happen, but he’s made them fun for the first time in more than a decade.
- Mike Bibby, Kings
Ht./Wt. 6-1, 190
Numbers: 19.6 pts., 6.8 ast., 1.55 stls
Each season he has grown more into a floor leader. His shooting has never been in question, but we’ll find out this season how well he distributes the ball with the additions of Bonzi Wells and Shareef Abdur-Rahim.
- Stephon Marbury, Knicks
Ht./Wt. 6-2, 200
Numbers: 21.7 pts., 8.1 ast., 1.49 stls
The self-proclaimed best point guard in the NBA isn’t even close. In fact, his self-absorption has him dropping like a rock in the esteem of many insiders. We’ll see if Larry Brown moves him to shooting guard as he did with Iverson.
- Gilbert Arenas, Wizards
Ht./Wt. 6-3, 190
Numbers: 25.5 pts., 5.1 ast., 1.74 stls
The league’s most improved player in 2003 was finally healthy again last season and kicked it up another notch. He still hasn’t proven to be consistent enough moving the ball, but he’s a big play guy who will learn in time.
- Tony Parker, Spurs
Ht./Wt. 6-2, 180
Numbers: 16.6 pts., 6.1 ast., 1.23 stls
He is so smooth with the ball it’s almost as if he plays on roller skates. But every time Parker starts to break into All-Star form, he fades. Yes, they won another title, but his role diminished as the finals progressed.
- Andre Miller, Nuggets
Ht./Wt. 6-2, 200
Numbers: 13.6 pts., 6.9 ast., 1.48 stls
Miller struggled like the rest of the Nuggets early last season but came on once George Karl became coach. It would be logical to assume he will have a much more complete season this time around.
Also receiving consideration: Sam Cassell, Los Angeles Clippers; Kirk Hinrich, Chicago Bulls; Luke Ridnour, Seattle SuperSonics; Jason Terry, Dallas Mavericks; Jamaal Tinsley, Indiana Pacers; Jason Williams, Miami Heat.