Isiah Thomas - Pistons, Magic Johnson - Lakers, Clyde Frazier - Knicks, Oscar Robertson - Bucks.
Noteable others who pushed their teams to the Finals: John Stockton, Gary Payton, Jason Kidd, Kevin Johnson.
I think in today's NBA the PG spot is the most important position, because of the pace of the game and the necessity to distribute the ball to so many different players (PFs taking 3 pointers etc.)
20 years ago most team's PGs had to carry the ball over the halfcourt mark and pass it to their big man near the paint.
Clyde Frazier said during preseason that he thinks this is the era of the PG, with so many talented PGs in the league and out of College. He also said that he thinks it is easier to turn a 7 footer into a decent rebounder/shot blocker than turning a shoot first PG into a good playmaker.
I agree with you on STAT and Howard beeing utterly dominant and all, but where do the passes come from? Felton has already trouble playing the pick and roll with Amar'e...
Paul could turn Mozgov into a 15 ppg center over a season with his passing. Look what Kidd did to the Nets in 2002-2005 or Nash in Phoenix. Plus Paul plays defense unlike the guys mentioned above.