Despite Blake Griffin‘s extended absence, the Los Angeles Clippers have managed to stay afloat as Chris Paul embarks on yet another underappreciated NBA season. During Griffin’s hiatus, Paul has picked up his play, tallying 22.2 points and 12.0 assists per 36 minutes. Once again, Paul is demonstrating that although he may not be one of the first point guards who to come to mind, he is one of the greatest to ever play the position.
Of course, before getting into the facts, the the inescapable narrative that surrounds Paul in any conversation must be dismantled. Paul has yet to reach a Conference Finals in over ten seasons, a main argument for those questioning Paul’s ability. However, in delving through his career playoff numbers, the truth is rather easy to observe. In 2501 playoff minutes, he is averaging 19.5 points and 8.9 assists per 36 minutes on 48.3 percent shooting from the field, 39.0 percent from 3-point territory and 83.7 percent from the free-throw line.
Not only has Paul produced big numbers in his postseason career, he has been one of the best players during postseason play. Paul has appeared in the playoffs seven times, and in those appearances, he has led the postseason in PER three times and assist percentage four times. Furthermore, according to Basketball-Reference, there are only four players with more minutes than Paul in playoff history who have more win shares per 48 minutes than he does: Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, LeBron James and Jerry West. That is pretty good company for a guy who “struggles performing” in the postseason.
Most recently, Paul courageously led his Clippers team over the San Antonio Spurs in a Game 7 on one leg. He tallied 27 points on 9-13 shooting from the field, 5-6 from 3-point range along with six assists and only one turnover. Still, fans will stick to their uninformed narrative and fail to see the truth.
The truth is that Paul has found himself next to numerous role players who time and time again fall short in the biggest of games. In Los Angeles, Doc Rivers has let his point guard down in trying to assemble a team with a chance to win a title. Rivers has made countless moves that make no sense, culminating in a top-heavy team with little depth at every single position.
Beyond the misguided narrative that follows Paul everywhere he goes, Paul’s on-court talents are indisputable. Paul can finish at the rim better than most point guards, and he has shot over 60.7 percent from 0-3 feet in every season minus his first two. Paul has perfected the best mid-range game of the era, and it has been an unstoppable weapon in pick and roll situations. Few note Paul’s range from deep, and his career 3-point percentage of 36.6 percent is more than serviceable.
In his career, Paul’s 47.6-36.6-86.2 percentages have only been accomplished by one retired played with a career usage percentage of 23.9 percent or higher (Larry Bird). Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry and Dirk Nowitzki would also join the select few per Basketball-Reference.
Of course, Paul’s true value comes from being a true point guard. This year, Paul leads the league in assist percentage, on track for the sixth time he has reached that feat in his career. John Stockton is the only other player in NBA history who can say that.
Given Paul’s complete offensive repertoire, it is unsurprising that he has infused life into dying offenses wherever he has gone. Before arriving with the New Orleans Hornets, the team ranked dead last in offensive efficiency. However, just three seasons later, Paul propelled New Orleans to the second-best offensive team in the league. Without Paul, the Clippers ranked 23rd in offensive efficiency. With Paul on board, however, Los Angeles has never been below 5th in offensive efficiency, and he has twice orchestrated the best offense in the league since arriving with the Clippers.
On the other end of the floor, Paul is a nuisance opponents simply cannot get away from, and he has the ability to change a game defensively. Despite his defensive prowess, his team’s have been mediocre at best on that side of the floor. On average, Paul’s squad have been ranked 13th in defensive rating over the course of his career, yet another reason his team’s have not been able to win when it matters most.
Ultimately, most fans will elect to take a player who has “won more” in their career. However, the ruthlessly competitive and unimaginably complete Paul makes an argument, even if he is so often neglected in these conversations.
