This is the fourth part of PBN's series of positional player rankings, which will also feature a Top 100 and a seperate list of Top Rookies as ranked by senior writer Tony Mejia. The rankings are based on an ambiguous formula of past accomplishments, upside, team role and general worthiness of swagger. As in, who's most swagger-worthy. They're entirely subjective, so arguments are not only expected, but encouraged.

1. Chris Paul, New Orleans - He's the NBA's Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao rolled into one. Lightning-fast, technically sound, competitive to a point he can be borderline nasty while packing a punch that belies his size, he's widely regarded as the best at his position. Paul rightfully expressed frustration after watching his team get humiliated by Denver during the playoffs, but should be charged up enough by the tweaks that have been made to build on last season's monster numbers (22.8 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 11.0 apg, 2.8 spg).

2. Tony Parker, San Antonio - He put the Spurs on his back last season, picking up the slack for the absent Manu Ginobili and a Tim Duncan whose playing time was being monitored to lead the team to another Southwest Division title. Despite averaging 28.6 points per game against Dallas, his squad was unceremoniously sent packing in five, but not before Parker cemented his reputation as one of the deadliest point guards out there. A three-time All-Star with a Finals MVP already to his credit, the 27-year-old should be at the top of his game the next few seasons, getting plenty of help in trying to dethrone L.A. for a shot at a fourth NBA title.

3. Deron Williams, Utah - The Jazz playmaker has been cast in John Stockton's shadow since entering the NBA, but the truth is that he's accomplished far more through his first four seasons because the legendary former Utah point guard wasn't even a regular starter until year No. 4. Williams averaged career-highs of 19.4 points and 10.7 assists in his fourth season, has won Olympic gold and has room for improvement from beyond the arc that can make even deadlier than he's been to date.

4. Chauncey Billups, Denver - The already lofty reputation of "Mr. Big Shot," was elevated to another level upon his return to Denver. Coming back to where it all started after finally figuring things out in Detroit, he transformed the Nuggets with his leadership and savvy, turning it up a notch in the playoffs like the great ones are prone to do. If he can continue straightening out his jumper, he'll stay extremely effective even as he heads towards his mid-30s.

5. Devin Harris, New Jersey - After making his name as the Tony Parker stopper early in his career, Harris finally got to show his full arsenal of offensive skills in his first full season with the Nets, putting up career-bests of 21.3 points and 6.9 assists while remaining a standout defender. Last year's All-Star nod should be the first of many.

6. Derrick Rose, Chicago - His play in that epic first round series against Boston was captivating, but there are areas of his game that need improvement before he joins the truly elite, as he seems destined to. Increasing his shooting range, limiting turnovers and taking better advantage of his length and quickness on the defensive end are on the to-do list, but considering he doesn't turn 21 until October, time is on his side.

7. Steve Nash, Phoenix - Even though he turned 35 and the Suns fell off last season, Nash still turned in an impressively efficient season, especially amid the turmoil of a coaching transition and a roster makeover. Shooting over 50 percent from the field and 43 percent from 3-point range for a fifth consecutive season, showing the Suns enough to net a $22 million extension expected to keep him in town through 2012. With better chemistry expected onthis year's Suns squad, look for him to get back to notching double-digit assist totals after having a four-year streak snapped through last season's 9.7 average.

8. Rajon Rondo, Boston - After nearly averaging a triple-double (16.9 ppg, 9.7 rpg, 9.8 apg) over 14 playoff games, the 23-year-old Rondo seemed poised to rake in the spoils over the summer, only to have Danny Ainge go public with an on-air admonishment on WEEI, questioning his commitment and maturity. It will be interesting to see how he starts the season, but given his feisty, competitive temperament, expect him to come out with a chip on his shoulder. A restricted free agent come summer, improving his jumper and making smarter decisions could make him a very rich man.

9. Gilbert Arenas, Washington - A few years ago, Arenas was unhappy with http://www.cbssports.com/nba/story/9790054 where I ranked him among point guards, in the midst of his Gilbert being Gilbert heyday. Coming off multiple knee operations that have limited to 15 games over two seasons, he should be pleased with where we have picking things back up. Here's hoping reports about feeling like his old self ring true. When right, he's capable of burning you for 30 points or 10 assists depending on his mood.

10. Baron Davis, L.A. Clippers - Telling reporters in L.A. that last season played out like a bad dream, the 30-year-old seems intent on making up for lost time. He shot a career-low 37 percent from the field and in his own words, "sucked last year." It hasn't been the first time he's sucked, either, bouncing back in Golden State after growing disinterested in New Orleans. That he's already spoting a playoff-caliber beard is a good sign.

11. Jose Calderon, Toronto - His efficiency is on Nash's level, even though his numbers haven't been as prolific. Spain's prized point guard set career-highs with 12.8 points, 8.9 assists while again shooting around 50 percent from the field, over 40 percent from 3-point range and an NBA-record 98 percent from on free throws. He responsibly limits turnovers and backs down from no one, though like Nash, he's not the greatest defender.

12. Jason Kidd, Dallas - No longer a kid at 36, it's only logical that he's slowing down some, but don't sprinkle dirt on Kidd just yet. He played in all but one game last season and has become a very reliable 3-point shooter since arriving in Dallas, burying over 43 percent of his attempts, well above his career average. With more help on board than he's had since his early days in Jersey, expect another productive season of stuffing the stat sheet while he passes Mark Jackson and moves into No. 2 behind Stockton on the NBA's all-time assists list.

13. Monta Ellis, Golden State - With the moped incident now completely behind him, Ellis can resume his ascent, getting a better feel for the lead guard position and what he can do to compensate for his limitations. Fortunately, he appeared to lose none of his explosiveness, and averaging over 25 points during the final portion of Golden State's schedule restored his confidence. It likely also bought him some time before Don Nelson takes up experimenting with rookie Stephen Curry as the Warriors' primary shot-taker.

14. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City - He'll get better at creating shots for himself and teammates as he matures, but the turnover issue and inconsistent jumper are correctable flaws that don't detract from the total package. The 20-year-old is as sleek and dynamic as your dream sports car, relishes playing defense and might be the top athlete at a position filled with them. He's got a long way to go, but it's a safe bet he'll be climbing this list for years to come.

15. Andre Miller, Portland - Even at 33, you can safely count on him to lace them up for 82, like he's done five of the last six seasons, offering a calming veteran influence and dependable playmaking. His defense isn't great, but he'll arrive in Portland set to fit the bill on what his new team needs most -- someone to take the pressure on Brandon Roy while making the game easier for everyone else.

16. Allen Iverson, unattached - His disastrous turn with Detroit tarnished his legacy, an unfair development given how much he's done through his first 13 seasons. That it all happened at the worst possible time, in a contract year at a time when few teams have money, makes him seem like a pariah. Still, I refuse to put out a list of top point guards without Iverson's name on it. Just one year removed from playing all 82 and averaging 26.4 points and 7.1 assists for Denver, look for the 34-year-old Iverson to find a home and cap his career with an effort that's better representative of his career exploits.

17. Mo Williams, Cleveland - Though he fit into the King's court impressively during the regular season, averaging a career-high 17.8 points on 43.6 percent 3-point shooting, he disappointed during the playoffs. Not only did he wind up with egg on his face after a failed guarantee against Orlando, he was also exposed as a marginal playmaker and defender who struggles to be a positive factor when his shot isn't falling.

18. Rodney Stuckey, Detroit - After making Chauncey Billups expendable, Stuckey struggled in his first season as a starter, with his numbers (13.4 ppg, 3.5 4.9 apg) looking rather ordinary. Still, the move to promote him was made with getting him invaluable experience in mind, so you can count on a significant jump in his third season, as he'll be a more confident and competent leader in trying to aid the Pistons' resurgence.

19. Jameer Nelson, Orlando - Last year's dream season came complete with All-Star berth and NBA Finals appearance, but neither under the ideal circumstances. An ill-timed shoulder injury forced him to miss the festivities in Phoenix and kept him out of action until the Lakers series, where he served as more of a disruption than anything else. Swapping out Hedo Turkoglu for Vince Carter forces him into more of a traditional point guard, which doesn't necessarily favor his game, but the Magic can count on his positive locker room presence as a stabilizing factor as they try to stay atop the Eastern Conference.

20. Aaron Brooks, Houston - He'll be a fantasy stud this coming season for a short-handed Rockets team that will count on him to be the catalyst. After averaging 16.8 points and shooting 42 percent from 3-point range during Houston's run to the second round, Brooks will have the confidence to dart around making things happen, keeping the customers happy in what's sure to be a rough year at the Toyota Center.

Also considered: Mike Bibby, Ramon Sessions, T.J. Ford, Raymond Felton, Randy Foye, Mike Conley, Lou Williams, Tyreke Evans, Jonny Flynn, Brandon Jennings, Jrue Holiday, Rafer Alston, Nate Robinson, Mario Chalmers, Kirk Hinrich, Jarrett Jack, Earl Watson, Luke Ridnour, Anthony Carter, Sebastian Telfair, Derek Fisher, Beno Udrih, Steve Blake, Jeryd Bayless, Jose Juan Barea.

Tony Mejia is senior writer for Pro Basketball News. He can be reached at mejia@probasketballnews.com.

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