Which would you rather have to start your franchise? Many people have debated this since they were drafted in 2005. Deron Williams was drafted third overall out of Illinois by the Utah Jazz. Chris Paul was drafted fourth overall out of Wake Forest by the New Orleans Hornets.

Many thought Atlanta would take Paul with the second pick, but they selected Marvin Williams instead. Chris Paul ended up winning the Rookie of the Year award that season.

Chris Paul's career stats are 46% FG, 84% FT, 18.2 points, 9.5 assists, 4.5 rebounds, 2.3 steals, 2.5 TO.

Deron Williams' career stats are 47% FG, 77% FT, 15.3 points, 8.1 assists, 2.9 rebounds, 0.9 steals, 2.8 TO.

They both had career highs in points and assists last season. Both are in the prime of their careers and are on championship-contending teams. They are two of the top playmakers in the game.

Who's Better?

Scoring: Chris Paul

I would give Chris Paul the edge because he much quicker than Deron and is a better finisher. Deron is much stronger, but Paul is so fearless when he drives to the basket and makes those floaters.

Passing: Deron Williams

Even though Chris Paul had more assists last season, Deron has better passing skills. Chris Paul is in a much higher-tempo offense than Deron is. That gives Paul an advantage to pile up the assists.

Rebounding: Chris Paul

Chris Paul is a great rebounder for his size. He is 6'0" and the guy grabbed five rebounds per game in his rookie season. Chris Paul averaged four rebounds per game last season while Deron averaged three.

Defense: Deron Williams

Chris Paul led the league in steals last season. Neither are great defenders, but Deron is a better perimeter defender than Paul is. Deron is also 6'3", so he is able to post up against the bigger point guards in the league. When they face head to head, Deron completely shuts down Paul.

In 10 career games vs. Utah, Paul averages 13.8 points while shooting a pathetic 35 percent from the field. Deron, on the other hand, averaged 17.5 points while shooting a fantastic 54 percent from the field in 11 career games vs. New Orleans.

Leadership: Chris Paul

Chris Paul has shown a stronger ability to make his teammates better through his leadership than Deron has. Chris Paul is the clear leader on his team, while Deron isn't the clear cut leader on his team because of Carlos Boozer. Chris Paul is better at making his teammates better. Tyson Chandler is a solid player, but Chris Paul makes his look great.

In Deron's second season, he led his team to the Western Conference Finals but lost to the Spurs. He averaged 19 points and nine assists. Deron had a great performance in those playoffs but came up short from the Finals.

Chris Paul took it to another level. In his third season, he led his team to the second best record in the mighty Western Conference. He led his team to the semis but lost in Game Seven to the Spurs. In the playoffs, he averaged 24 points, 11 assists, and five rebounds.

Overall...

These are two best point guards in the game today. It was a really close call, but I would rather have Chris Paul because he is a better team player than Deron Williams. He finished second in MVP voting last season and the only point guard with 20/10.

He is a superstar and is only 23 years old. He made his first All Star appearance last season, while Deron has not made an All Star appearance. Chris Paul also beats out Deron Williams in most statistical categories. I also think that Chris Paul will win a couple of MVPs and championship rings in his career.