Portland Trail Blazers: Ranking the top 10 point guards in the NBA

Hindered by the enormous contract handed to him by the Houston Rockets, many have forgotten just how good Chris Paul really is. Maybe the Rockets have as well, considering they recently sent Paul out with multiple first round picks to acquire an upgrade at the point.

CP3’s accolades speak for themselves, and explain why he earned the moniker of “Point God”. He is a nine-time All-Star and has been named to eight All-NBA teams. There is probably not a more surefire lock for the Hall of Fame among active point guards right now. After his playing days are done, he will likely be the golden standard reference point for stereotypical true point guards.

Paul has led the league in assists on four occasions and also led the NBA in steals nine times. He has been selected to nine All-Defensive teams. He truly brings everything you want in a point guard to the table with excellent defense, highlight reel playmaking and excellent shooting ability with a career average of 37 percent from deep.

Unfortunately, Paul has lost his youthfulness and is no longer the player he once was. Gone are the days of the double-double machine of New Orleans (and later, Los Angeles). Although he posted a respectable 15.6 points and 8.2 assists per game last season, he regressed in every meaningful statistical category relative to his career averages.

He also continues to be plagued by injuries. Only playing in 72 percent of his games over the last three seasons, Paul can no longer be counted on to be a consistent threat on the court — or even be on the court at all.

However, Chris Paul’s saving grace is his self-awareness. He’s opted to adapt to the modern NBA instead of being left behind. Last season, 49.3 percent of all his shot attempts came from beyond the arc. He was bound to see an increase playing under Daryl Morey, but he previously only took 23.2 percent of his shots from deep before arriving in Houston.

That difference is astronomical, and could be what keeps Paul relevant as a difference-maker in the league entering his fifteenth season.