Keeping that trend up will be a tough task, though. The Hornets took a 20-10 record into their game against the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night, thanks in large part to Paul, who was averaging 20.1 points on 50-percent shooting with 11.5 assists, 5.4 rebounds and 2.9 steals.

Williams, who was taken by the Jazz a spot before Paul was snatched by New Orleans in the 2005 NBA Draft, is averaging 15.4 points on 43-percent shooting with 10.0 assists, 2.9 rebounds and 1.1 steals for Utah (20-15).

Williams even acknowledged that he likes playing Paul.

"You just got to be ready. He's one of the best point guards in this league," Williams said of the matchup. "He's a competitor. It's something where we both want to win bad, so it's fun playing somebody like that."

Korver certainly doesn't mind having the guy who might not get the national exposure and love leading his team — even if Williams is not consistently playing at his peak performance, while Paul has been on fire this season.

"They're going to be comparing somebody; it's just what people do," Korver said. "I'm glad he's on our team. I'm glad we've got Deron. Chris Paul is a great player, too, but I'll take Deron any day."

Compare the two all you want (or don't want), just don't ask Brevin Knight — a 12-year veteran who knows a thing or two about the point-guard position and who calls both players "elite" — to switch teammates.

"They do different things. Chris Paul is great at what he does, and Deron Williams is great at what he does," said Knight, who's assumed the role as Williams' primary backup this season. "We understand what we have in D-Will ... I wouldn't trade D-Will for Chris Paul and I would think his teammates would think the same way."

Sloan doesn't get into it, but he acknowledges that fans and sports writers, even players, like to make comparisons. He even recalls debates between Oscar Robertson and Jerry West. Still, he offered no opinion on that argument or the current one.

"As far as Deron Williams is concerned, we think he's done a great job for us," Sloan said. "Chris Paul has done a great job for them."

And like his guy, the coach denied having any extra excitement for experiencing the point-guard duel.

"I look forward to watching the whole team," Sloan said. "That's the thing I look forward to."

E-mail: jody@desnews.com