D'Angelo Russell tops draft's available point guards, but who else is close?

ESPN Insider's Chad Ford and Kevin Pelton return to provide the kind of discussions that are happening in front offices around the NBA -- where scouts and statistical experts are breaking down NBA draft prospects using their "eyes, ears and numbers."

With less than a month to go before the draft, it's a good time to rank and debate the best players in the draft by position. This week we begin with point guards.

Q: Who is the best point guard in the draft?

Ford: D'Angelo Russell, Ohio State

I think this will be an easier pick for Kevin than it is for me. Russell and Emmanuel Mudiay are neck-and-neck. They have contrasting styles. I think Russell is the most skilled player in the draft. He's an amazing shooter, has a great feel for the game, is an incredible passer and even has some James Harden in him. Given the success of players like Harden and Stephen Curry, I think people believe he's a no-brainer. But I worry about his lack of elite athleticism. He's neither explosive nor quick. Both Harden and Curry, while not elite athletes, are better than Russell.

Mudiay is a powerful athlete. He's not Russell Westbrook explosive, but he's quick and strong for a point guard his size. He's not as skilled as Russell and he lacks a proven jumper, but he's going to excel at getting to the basket at the next level. If he were a better shooter, Mudiay would get the nod. But I also worry about guards in the league who struggle with their jump shot. I think they'll both be very good in the NBA. If Mudiay ever gets a jumper, he'll be the best guard in the draft. But until he does, Russell is my choice.