Commentary

Who's better: Rondo or Williams?

Two of the NBA's best point guards do battle in Insider's side-by-side analysis

Updated: March 13, 2011, 5:03 PM ET

By Chris Palmer | ESPN The Magazine

In this space we'll break down the best individual matchup of the week to see who's the better player. But toss out career accomplishments or potential. This is about ability -- strengths, weaknesses, intangibles -- and who gives his team the best chance to win. It's about the only thing that matters when you step on the court on any given night -- who's better right now.

Point guard is the deepest position in the NBA. Never before have there been so many quality floor generals in both conferences, and never before has the debate raged this fiercely about who among them is the best.

Deron Williams and Rajon Rondo's styles are at the opposite end of the lead guard spectrum. The once maligned Rondo has become the Boston Celtics' most valuable player, and Deron Williams toggles between potentially the best point guard in the league and the guy who never gets enough credit.

Now they occupy the same division, so there's no better time for them to square off in our weekly matchup. It's D-Will's power and speed against Rondo's cunning and unselfishness.

To read Chris Palmer's breakdown of Rondo and Williams, including perspectives from NBA players and scouts, you must be an ESPN Insider.