By Dennis Velasco, Special to SI.com, DroppingDimes.com

ASSISTS

	Steve Nash actually set a career-high in assists this season. John W. McDonough/SI

Blue Chippers
Steve Nash, PG, Suns: 76 G; 11.6 APG
Jason Kidd, PG, Nets: 80 G; 9.2 APG
Chris Paul, PG, Hornets: 64 G; 8.9 APG

Nash, the reigning two-time MVP, did it again, arguably having a better season than the previous two when he won the hardware. However, what is not up for argument is Captain Canada's best season for dropping dimes, averaging a career-best 11.6 APG. Are we looking at a three-peat performance from Nash in winning the shiny trophy? Some big goateed guy in Dallas might have something to say about it.

Year in and year out, Kidd cements his position as one of the best point guards to ever lace up his sneakers. His 9.2 APG average is in line with his career average. Paul only played 64 games this season, but when he was on the court, he was worth the borderline first- or second-round pick you used to get him. CP3 increased his assists output from 7.8 APG last season to 8.9, on top of upping his scoring average from 16.1 PPG to 17.3. Look forward to Paul leading the league in this category one day.

Value Players
Deron Williams, PG, Jazz: 80 G; 9.4 APG
Tracy McGrady, SG/SF, Rockets: 71 G; 6.5 APG
Andre Iguodala, SG/SF, 76ers: 76 G; 5.7 APG

Williams' training sessions with John Stockton helped him take his game to another level. After a rough growing period last season averaging 4.5 APG, Williams came strong from the get-go and easily became one of the top point guards and could have been an All-Star. Regardless, is there any question that he was a fantasy All-Star player, finishing second in the league in dime drops?

McGrady was doing it all this season, elevating his game when Yao Ming was hurt and keeping the Rockets afloat. Part of that was T-Mac's career-best 6.5 APG and spreading the ball around to his teammates. The Sixers now belong to Iguodala, who is loaded with talent on the offensive and defensive sides of the court, and unlike the previous A.I. in Philly, this A.I. doesn't always look to score or force shots. Iggy is undoubtedly a team player and does a lot of things well, including finding his teammates. Look for Iguodala to improve next season as he'll be the key to the 76ers' success from the beginning.

Duds
Luke Ridnour, PG, SuperSonics: 71 G; 5.2 APG
Shaun Livingston, PG, Clippers: 54 G; 5.1 APG
Sebastian Telfair, PG, Celtics: 78 G; 2.8 APG

Ridnour was a popular sleeper pick in most drafts before the season because of his promise of getting a steady stream of assists, which last season's 7.0 APG seemingly foretold. Plus, it doesn't hurt to have Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis to kick the ball to. Well, the only thing kicked was Ridnour's playing time and the potential for assists. Thank you, Earl Watson's tight game and 5.7 dimes per contest.

Livingston's future was now with the Clippers. Or at least it should have been. Peoria's Finest had the starting point guard gig on lock, especially with Sam Cassell's heels acting up, but a freak knee injury dashed all hopes of him breaking out this season. The injury was so bad, even the future is cloudy. So, all those who took Livingston as a sleeper pick were left in a haze.

Telfair was supposed to fulfill the promise he showed in high school after moving back to the East Coast near his hometown borough of Brooklyn, N.Y., but it seems that his ability, Delonte West, and rookie Rajon Rondo just weren't going to let it happen. I loved the movie, Bassy, but I'm not feeling your game.