What should an NBA point guard be judged by - his scoring, passing, or his value to his team and the game of basketball? The following list of my best five point guards in the league right now will dissipate some of these doubts.

5. Damian Lillard

Damian Lillard has become an all-star this season, and it was about time. It's been Lillard's season. He has continued to score over 26 points per game and has slightly upped his assist and steal numbers. But, most important of all, Lillard has learned to lead his team. The Portland Trail Blazers have been one of the best surprises of the season as they have been able to comfortably clinch a playoff spot in the loaded Western Conference.

Lillard has matured as an overall player and has become more clutch than ever. His extraordinary shooting ability and aggressive mindset are a given.

4. Russell Westbrook

Russell Westbrook is the current MVP and therefore should not be taking a backseat in favor of anyone else. Westbrook is having to make People George and Carmelo Anthony happy in order to convince them to stay past this season, but he has not done the best job at bringing out their best. Consequently, his numbers have recently dropped a bit, but that was a given after averaging a supernatural triple-double last season. Westbrook is not placed higher on this list because he can be his worst enemy at times. Many would not put their money on Westbrook making a jumper when it counts most.

Other than that, Westbrook impacts the game in every way and continues to be unstoppable on his way to the basket. Have we ever seen a more athletic and aggressive point guard? The answer is no.

3. Kyrie Irving

Who said Kyrie Irving could not lead a team? Well, Irving has proved he made the right choice to demand a trade and be able to take his game to another level.

The Boston Celtics have been one of the biggest surprises this season after losing four starters from last season and an All-Star in Gordon Hayward with a season-ending injury in the opener. Irving has been able to lead an inexperienced, young team and place it atop the Eastern Conference for a long time and against all odds.

Kyrie can score in all forms and dazzles the world with his unique ball-handling skills, as always, but now he has proved that he can also find his teammates when necessary and make them better. Earth might not be flat, but Irving is officially the real deal.

2. James Harden

James Harden officially became a point guard last season, and what a point guard he became! Many will still prefer to call him a shooting guard, especially because he is playing alongside Chris Paul now, but when you are running a team like he does, your usage rate is as high as his, and you average almost 9 assists per game, then it only makes sense to speak of a point guard. Harden is the most complete offensive player in the league right now, and maybe one of the best we have ever seen in this department.

There is nothing he cannot do to get a bucket. He is a sniper from the three-point line, his mid-range is dynamite, his drives down the lane are unstoppable, and his finishing around the rim is simply efficient. There is nothing Harden cannot do for himself and his team on offense. And, by the way, his Houston Rockets have become a serious contender in the West ever since Harden became a point guard. Is Harden ready to shock the Warriors.

1. Stephen Curry

Stephen Curry has changed the game of basketball at the point guard position and, for that reason, he continues to be the best point guard in the league. The 6' 3" and 190 lbs player is not the biggest, strongest, or most athletic NBA point guard to ever play.

Rather, he is on the other side of the spectrum. However, his play has revolutionized the game and continues to do so. His ability to shoot the ball from almost any spot above the half-court line creates a unique spacing on the floor for his team. The Golden State Warriors play with an advantage every night he is on the floor. Furthermore, Curry's high basketball IQ has turned the Warriors into a championship team.

The games are played at Curry's pace, and the rest of the teams continue to try and adapt to that pace or mimic that style. Opponents can give Curry not one centimeter of space, but because of his elite passing ability and court vision, Curry can also quickly find the open man once he is doubled.

Kevin Durant might have stolen some of the spotlight, but Curry has not ceased to be the Warrior's most influential player. When a player transcends the game, he undoubtedly needs to lead these kinds of lists. The Warriors desperately need Curry back as soon as possible for the playoffs.
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