Paul, Williams are the heirs apparent at point

0 Comments | USA TODAY, July, 2008 | by Kelly Whiteside

LAS VEGAS -- So who is the point apparent, the future starter for the U.S. team, the best young point guard in the NBA?

It's a jump ball.

Chris Paul, at 23, had a transcendent NBA season, finishing second in MVP balloting after leading the New Orleans Hornets to the second-best record in the Western Conference.

"The kind of year he had demonstrated that very few guys in the NBA could guard him," USA Basketball managing director Jerry Colangelo says. "I don't think that's going to change in international play."

Deron Williams, 24, led his Utah Jazz to the playoffs with career-high numbers (18.8 points, 10.5 assists).

"Deron Williams is one of the best guards in the world," U.S. coach Mike Krzyzewski says. "I was really impressed...