Top 50: Chris Paul, no. 7

The definitive ranking of the NBA’s best players.

by Myles Brown / @mdotbrown

It’s only right, I suppose. The two of them, one right after the other.

Nah. Fuck that. This is wrong.

Point guards are a largely slept upon bunch, mostly due to our own misplaced values. They don’t score or rebound at the rate of post or swingmen and they’re a comparatively less intimidating defensive presence. With only three or so exceptions, point guards don’t win MVP and they don’t win Chris Paul championships.

Due to such thinking-logical as it may be-floor generals have practically been relegated to a subspecies, left only to argue amongst themselves as to who is best since they can’t be considered alongside their contemporaries.

Which is why were constantly quibbling about whether Chris Paul is the best point guard in the NBA rather than the best player, period.

When such debate arises, the question of who’s the leagues best playmaker is routinely answered with another. ‘How can Chris Paul be the best point guard when Deron Williams dominates him in head to head matchups?’ Well, the same way The Wire can be the best show on TV yet have no ratings or Emmys to show for it. The game is rigged. Right, Bodie?

Deron Williams should get the best of any head to head matchup. He’s bigger, stronger and has better teammates. But in comparing overall ability and production, Paul can hold his own with anyone in the league, not just Williams.

Besides LeBron James, is there anyone more dangerous in the open court than Chris Paul? Including LeBron James-and Steve Nash, for that matter-is there a better passer in the NBA? Vision, timing, accuracy, discernment and at such a breakneck speed? Methinks not.

Are there more clutch players? Better leaders? Stronger competitors? More efficient players? More talented players? More valuable players? Maybe, but six still seems like three too many.

And when considering those three, consider the excuses we afforded them in their claims for supremacy. ‘He’s stuck under bad management!’ ‘He doesn’t have a good coach!’ ‘He doesn’t have any teammates!’ Well now they have everything they need. Now it’s Chris Paul’s turn.

The other name consistently coupled with Chris Paul-the one I’m more inclined to mention-is Isiah Thomas, one of the three aforementioned exceptions. Obviously not as a competitor, like Williams, just as a reference point. But because the name Isiah Thomas draws little more than laughter in many circles, such a reference is lost. To those I say, that guy with the pills, the guy who called that gal a bitch, the guy who killed the CBA, the Knicks and possibly your pet turtle? He was a bad motherfucker. So no, you shut your mouth.

He has no gold medal and only one Finals MVP to show for it, but let it be said loudly and often that Isiah Thomas won back to back titles when Jordan, Magic and Bird were at or near their prime. Think about it. While that and a dollar still won’t get you a coffee at Starbucks, it will get you the eternal respect of your peers, even if it is begrudging. And maybe a lapdance on Thursdays when Cinnamon is working.

Anyway, as I was saying. Same uncontainable speed, quickness, ball handling, heart and desire. Same strength of leadership. And Chris Paul could do the same thing: beat the unbeatable. Twice even.

You don’t believe me? I’ll prove it you. Just help me get him the hell out of New Orleans.

Then we can talk about these other six guys in front of him again. But please, no more about Deron Williams. It’s just getting silly.

SLAMonline TOP 50 PLAYERS			OVERALL RANK		POSITION RANK
Player	Team	Position	2010	2009	2010	2009
Ray Allen	Celtics	SG	50	36	10	9
Gilbert Arenas	Wizards	SG	49	34	9	8
Lamar Odom	Lakers	PF	48	33	14	10
John Wall	Wizards	PG	47	NR	13	NR
OJ Mayo	Grizzlies	SG	46	46	8	12
Al Horford	Hawks	C	45	NR	6	NR
Jason Kidd	Mavs	PG	44	45	12	10
Joakim Noah	Bulls	C	43	NR	5	NR
LaMarcus Aldridge	Blazers	PF	42	39	13	12
David West	Hornets	PF	41	31	12	8
Monta Ellis	Warriors	SG	40	NR	7	NR
Andrew Bogut	Bucks	C	39	NR	4	NR
Yao Ming	Rockets	C	38	NR	3	NR
Brandon Jennings	Bucks	PG	37	NR	11	NR
Zach Randolph	Grizzlies	PF	36	NR	11	NR
Stephen Curry	Warriors	PG	35	NR	10	NR
David Lee	Warriors	PF	34	NR	10	NR
Brook Lopez	Nets	C	33	NR	2	NR
Gerald Wallace	Bobcats	SF	32	NR	7	NR
Manu Ginobili	Spurs	SG	31	29	6	7
Tony Parker	Spurs	PG	30	15	9	3
Kevin Garnett	Celtics	PF	29	13	9	3
Rudy Gay	Grizzlies	SF	28	44	6	9
Josh Smith	Hawks	PF	27	40	8	13
Andre Iguodala	76ers	SG	26	26	5	6
Al Jefferson	Jazz	PF	25	23	7	7
Russell Westbrook	Thunder	PG	24	NR	8	NR
Chauncey Billups	Nuggets	PG	23	19	7	5
Tyreke Evans	Kings	PG	22	NR	6	NR
Danny Granger	Pacers	SF	21	21	5	5
Carlos Boozer	Bulls	PF	20	32	6	9
Paul Pierce	Celtics	SF	19	17	4	4
Joe Johnson	Hawks	SG	18	20	4	4
Rajon Rondo	Celtics	PG	17	27	5	8
Amar’e Stoudemire	Knicks	PF	16	16	5	6
Steve Nash	Suns	PG	15	22	4	6
Tim Duncan	Spurs	PF	14	6	4	1
Chris Bosh	Heat	PF	13	13	3	4
Derrick Rose	Bulls	PG	12	18	3	4
Brandon Roy	Blazers	SG	11	10	3	3
Pau Gasol	Lakers	PF	10	14	2	5
Dirk Nowiztki	Mavs	PF	9	9	1	2
Deron Williams	Jazz	PG	8	11	2	2
Chris Paul	Hornets	PG	7	4	1	1

Notes
• Rankings are based solely on projected ’10-11 performance.
• Contributors to this list include: Jeremy Bauman, Maurice Bobb, Erildas Budraitis, Sean Ceglinsky, Ben Collins, Bryan Crawford, Sandy Dover, Adam Figman, Manny Maduakolam, Eddie Maisonet, Ryne Nelson, Doobie Okon, Ben Osborne, Charles Peach, Branden Peters, Quinn Peterson, David Schnur, Todd Spehr, Kyle Stack, Adam Sweeney, Dennis Tarwood, Tracy Weissenberg, Lang Whitaker, Eric Woodyard, and Nima Zarrabi.
• Want more of the SLAMonline Top 50? Check out the archive.

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Tags: Chris Paul, Features, New Orleans Hornets, SLAMonline Top 50

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http://shinefluid@aol.com CHICAGO SAID IT YUP

chris paul get waaaaaaaaaaaaay too many props for a dude who only been to the 2nd round…1 time
http://www.stonesthrow.com Michael NZ

Joke.
Ouse

Wrong wrong wrong wrong wrong. Melo is not better than Chris Paul. Worst list yet Slam.
http://www.slamonline.com SpaceJam

Cosign tictac. Paul is a far superior pg to d will. He carries the most load of any nba player. He is the best defensive pg not rondo. His steals don’t come off of gambling where as Rondo just reaches b/c kg and perkins are manning the paint. He is the best ball-handler in the league and arguably the best passer. His fg% are very good and he can stroke it from 3. No one can keep him out of the paint. He made David West an all-star. He was below 9 ppg before paul came. Top 4 player in the league.
Michael Whyte

Cosign @nbk. Magic for the win
http://www.stonesthrow.com Michael NZ

LOL @ Melo ranked ahead of Chris Paul. And Williams. And Dirk, And Pau.
http://www.slamonline.com J

Yes Magic is the best PG ever imho.
http://slamonline.com tealish

So Melo is top 6. Hm
http://slamonline.com tealish

And Dwight is top 5? Boo to that.
http://Egotastic.com Micahel

Exactly how is melo better than Chris Paul or Dirk?
Elvis Freshly

Why are you guys going in on Melo, it’s actually kind of funny. You guys act as if he “fell off” which is most def not the case. In my opinion he’s 4th and Kevin durant is NOT ahead of Melo.. idk what makes some of you think that but you should rethink things.

Kobe,Bron,Wade,MELO,
http://Egotastic.com Michael

Hold up. MElo is better than Chris Paul? Since when?
http://www.kb24.com The Seed

You mention why Williams should win in any matchup with Paul, since he is bigger and stronger. But I would say that Williams wins in most matchups nightly, because he can do many things great. Williams is better than Paul, because he can score in variety of ways, can get the rim and finish better with contact, seen more crossover moves from Williams getting folks, is a better 3point shooter and shooter overall and plays defense better. Paul plays passing lanes to play defense and can pass better, which is the only thing Paul is better at. Collison coming in as a rookie and putting up Paul numbers was his demise to me. Yes the win/loss record was worst with Collison, but people was injuried and clearly people on the team had given up. Paul is being overrated to me, yes he had three great seasons but really when a rookie comes in plays like you, then maybe the media was hyping you up to much. Paul has speed, but I would rather have Rondo/Rose than Paul right now in the NBA. Based off of projections for next year, Paul might have good numbers, but if Collison has the same talent Paul has now, don’t you thing he would put up the same numbers in the same offense. YES, BOOK IT!!
http://www.kb24.com The Seed

Paul cannot BE COMPARED to Zeke after only playing 5 seasons and his last two, before this injuried year being his best years. Paul has only had two seasons averaging 20pts/11ast, but he plays in an uptempo offense. Paul career average is 19pts 10 assist. Zeke career average is 19pts 9 assist, but Zeke did it over 13 seasons, and Paul has played well to me just 3 out of his 5 years so far. Zeke has played great and have had plently of playoff defining games. Zeke is the GREATEST POINT GUARD IN MY BOOK, and to compare someone you got injuried and a rookie put up his same numbers and played well in his spot in that same uptempo offense is just SAD. Don’t get Zeke the NBA player confused with Isiah Thomas the Knicks GM. On the court Zeke was like no other and I am SICK and TIRED of being SICK of hearing about players being compared to Legends, when they have not had not ONE defining playoff performance in their career and against the spurs did not count for his best year as a pro. I would rather have ZEKE than any other POINT GUARD EVER BOOK IT!!
Ctp

I don’t get why people keep saying IF Paul was healthy he would have better numbers than D Will.

DURABILITY IS PART OF THE PLAYERS ATTRIBUTES. D Will is also clearly more durable. Paul is hurt all the time.
Whatever though, they are both amazing dudes.
Jer Dawg

This is one heated debate. We getting down to nitty gritty of the best in the NBA. I wouldn’t argue with anything Myles wrote up in this article. Very good debate, much like the critical analysis papers most college students had to write citing examples and arguing them to make a point. The Isiah/CP3 comparison is justified. Just like the Jordan/Kobe debate. But the ladder will be longstanding given one is actually chasing the “man.”
But there is no arguing CP3 is awesome and I feel you need to give the ranking to the underdog. Especially if his numbers are better than Deron Williams. CP3 is the little guy. Deron williams is the bully. We feel for the city of NO, We never liked Utah and their unorthodox standard of living.
Its really interchangable, I would take Williams over Paul in the park or as a GM, but the average guy loves the underdog.
TrailBlazing&SportingLisbon

actually dwill´s not more durable than cp3, last year he was, but has not been…

one other thing, BLAKE GRIFFIN IS A MONSTER AND WILL WIN ROY THIS YEAR WITH EASE, RIDICULOUS JOHN WALL BEING HERE AND HES NOT
http://slamonline.com tealish

@PANAGOPOULOUS
If Dwight Howard makes top 5, I will post a “SUPER GUFFY!!!!” comment in your honour.
Michael Whyte

agree about Blake Griffin. BEAST!
logues

Elvis: Scoring aint everything. If melo is a top 5 or 6 player in the league then with the team he has around him he should be able to lead them better, what have the nuggets done? durant is a better scorer, rebounder, passer, defender, leader. put durant on the nuggets and they would be a way better team.
Michael Whyte

Cosign @Elvis freshly. Finally someone who is not riding KD’s dick. KD is number 5. Not top 3.
Elvis Freshly

whao whao Seed… did you just say DWill plays D better then Chris? ok now I know you’re going insane.
VisionofGreatness

@TrailBlazing
John Wall and Blake Griffin will battle it out all season, barring injury, for the Rookie of the Year award. So don’t dismiss John Wall.
JTaylor21

Co-sign MWhyte and Elvis. KD is sooooooo overrated and Melo is the BETTER player at this very moment. Melo is twice as good in crunch time, a better defender, a better passer and is the BEST scorer in the L hands down. Clowns love to talk about how KD is in Bron/Wade/Kobe’s league but dude needs to worry about being better than Melo first.
Justin

Myles, saying that Chris Paul would win with that Pistons lineup, or that collection of talent as you put it, is an assinine statement. So would Steve Nash. So would Allen Iverson. So would a hell of a lot of guys.
http://www.twitter.com/jtrain73 Jono

Someone here put KD no.1, dude you must be high. And stop this Melo out of Denver, CP3 out of NO crap. It’s killing the NBA. If 4-5 teams had all the stars, I’d just watch the premier league or NFL instead. Hoops, as much as I love the NBA, would die if each team didn’t have something exciting to offer.
http://www.twitter.com/jtrain73 Jono

Co-sign JTaylor21 I’ve had enough about how people think durant is a nice guy, plays well in the FIBA championships and leads his team to the 8th seed and propel him to top 3 in the NBA. Fine, he is the youngest scoring champ. But look at this peers in the top 5, dudes like Melo LBJ Kobe Wade Howard, they’ve done so much more and are far more accomplished than Durant. Right now he reminds me of T-Mac with the Magic earlier on when he was a flat out dominant scorer and that was it. Basketball incorpates so much tangibles and intangibles that guys like LBJ CP3 and Kobe are much more valueable that just stats. I might smash my laptop at work if I see Durant in the top 2.
JTaylor21

Jono, word UP on everything you said but I think that prime T-Mac is better than KD. Remember that T-Mac regularly put up 30/6/6 while KD only does 30/7/2. A lot of people thought that Mac and Kobe were equal for a few season and a few others believed he was better. Orl T-Mac is a better scorer, athlete, rebounder, passer, defender, and clutch player than KD. KD hasn’t accomplished ish and it’s a shame that everyone’s so in love with a glorified scorer.
TrailBlazing&SportingLisbon

co sign everyone not su(kin KDs balls, hes awsome but not top3…bout Wall, going to be great, but blakeGriffin is gonna run the fu(k away with ROY and be the best PF in the L soon enough, just watch, barring injury obviously
http://thetroyblog.com Teddy-the-Bear

There’s no doubt T-Mac in his prime was better than Kevin Durant right now. I don’t think that can really be debated.
http://nicekicks.com meloman2.0

Whats wrong with these haters? What has Chris Paul dont i the last two years hat proves he’s better than Melo? thats right, nothing… losing a playoff game by 59 points shouldnt get u more ratings
http://nicekicks.com meloman2.0

And Kd is not better than Melo RIGHT NOW either… everytime they play, Melo ends up with better numbers annnd a W. plus he’s had more success in terms of winning
ektor

CP3 Overrated!!! top 10 no doubt but for me Steve Nash was the best PG for the last 7 years now is D-Will.. CP3 have good numbers but his only standout year was when he finished second on the MVP ballot on 2008! The real top ten should look more like this:
10.Paul
9. Anthony
8. Nowitzky
7. Williams
6. Gasol
5. Wade
4. Howard
3. Bryant (my fav player of all time) he’s getting old
2. Durantula
1. Prince James
Michael Whyte

^^^ @ektor: if kobes your favourite player of all time, surely you know that he won another ring last year? Its absurd to put durant in front of him. It even makes me feel sick. And my favourite player is Lebron, but even I know how good kobe is. I am biased, but i never underestimate the mamba. He deserves his ranking at 1. Until lebron wins.
Michael Whyte

*last season. this year
http://facebook.com/hooptour Jeremy Page

Just to finish this off:

6: Carmelo Anthony
5. Dwyane Wade
4. Dwight Howard
3. Kobe Bryant
2. Kevin Durant
1. Lebron James
rob

I kinda figured cp3 might drop this low, only because of injury. and he is clearly better than paul and nash. dont give me no bs bout how he aint. It aint hype, otherwise he wouldnt be a jordan brand player approved personally by jordan and a face of this league. ive asked people on the street b4 “who is the best pg in the nba?” they tell me: “cp3 of course” I also say, do u know who deron williams is? they say “no, who the f@ck is tht? cp3 is the best because he worked his way into being so. deron is jus another nba player..
rob

and durant is better than melo as of right now!!! this isnt a list of who’s done what in the past. forget the past, stay in the present and look towards the future. KD is the best SF on a very exciting and very damn good team. he does just about everything that melo does, only better. he’s younger, faster, taller, better shooter, better defender. better teamate, the list goes on and on
CannibalREX

Ok Se the list should go as follow:

6) Melo
5) Dwight
4) Durant
3) Wade
2) Kobe
1) Lebron
Pingback: SLAM ONLINE | » Top 50: Carmelo Anthony, no. 6
Carl-Erik

Well, now I know not to take anything Slam writes seriously anymore. CP3 behind ‘Melo? What kind of ignorant retard would come to that conclusion? Do you people actually watch the games?
tavoris

I hope people realize that KD is about FIVE or SIX YEARS away from hitting his prime. That what makes his deservedly high ranking so special.
http://www.twitter.com/Chris_Griff_3 Boston_Blogg3r

Myles, update the article by inputting “Community” where “The Wire” is. Same deal, but for 2010. Best show on TV with no ratings or no Emmy award (despite blatant highway robbery after the Justin Lin-directed “Modern Warfare” episode from last season).
http://slamonline.com Allenp

JTaylor
How can you dislike the “greatest of all time” argument, but embrace the “best point guard of all-time” argument?
Doesn’t that feel illogical?
Feez22

Cp3′s only standout yr was 08? You tool He topped 08 in 09 with avg of 22-11-3 with the second highest efficiency only to lebron in the entire NBA. Seriously how hard is this to understand cp3 has lead a team with peja and pargo on the wings and Chandler/west to the playoffs not once but TWICE winning at or above 49 games in both… Hell in 08 he brought the damn hornets to 2nd in the damn west. West is good but is overrated. Now contrast that with Deron… Dero has been 2nd option virtually his whole time in Utah to booz whom is def better than David west. He has ha all stars in memo and ak47 and has had coutless wing players and plays In the flex that inflates numbers like mad. Yet he can’t even one up an injured cp3. Last yr during injury CP3 still shot better from ALL RANGES than dwill. Comparison over bc there is none really. Cp3 obv is the premiere guard.
Feez22

@Tavoris that’s what people said about bron man… Now look at him lol people don’t even respect dude. If durant in 5 yrs leaves okc (which he may) we will look @ him differently. Besides lebron showed more promise in his 3rd yr than durant did… Guy attained a triple double of 32-11-10 in his first dang playoff game. Guy pushed the eventual east conf champ pistons to 7 games Yet I am hearing more hype for durant… I don’t get it. Durant crapper his pants in the playoffs vs single coverage yet he is now the second coming? Wade won a ring his 3rd yr, lebron pushed the pistons to 7 in the second rd his 3rd yr yet durant stinks up the gym his 3rd yr in playoffs and he presumably gets a top 4 ranking?obsurd.
Elvis Freshly

[Royce]We the kind that supply the rock like Chris Paul[/Royce]
agentJ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1OArWuJVAM

paul a better passer? i don’t think so.
Pingback: SLAM ONLINE | » Top 50: Dwyane Wade, no. 4
add

why people hatin on guards?

Top 50: Chris Paul, no. 7

The definitive ranking of the NBA’s best players.

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