NBA's Greatest Players in History: Chris Paul

• 11-time NBA All-Star and 10-time All-NBA selection
• Ranks 3rd all-time in assists and 5th all-time in steals
• Led teams to significant win increases in multiple cities, including Phoenix Suns' NBA Finals run
• Member of the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team

Chris Paul, nicknamed "Point God", is one of the greatest point guards in NBA history, known for his elite playmaking, leadership, and ability to elevate team performance.

Overview

Chris Paul's career has been defined by his exceptional court vision, precise passing, and ability to control the tempo of the game. Standing at 6 feet tall, Paul has consistently outperformed expectations, using his basketball IQ and competitive drive to become one of the most impactful players of his generation.

Career snapshot

Paul was drafted 4th overall by the New Orleans Hornets in 2005 after an impressive college career at Wake Forest. He immediately made his mark, winning Rookie of the Year and transforming the Hornets into a playoff contender. Throughout his career, Paul has played for the Hornets, Los Angeles Clippers, Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Phoenix Suns, consistently elevating each team's performance.

Playing style

Paul's playing style is characterised by his mastery of the pick-and-roll, elite ball-handling skills, and exceptional decision-making. He's renowned for his ability to create scoring opportunities for teammates while also being a threat to score himself, particularly from mid-range. Defensively, Paul is a persistent pest, leading the league in steals six times.

Why Chris Paul is on our list

Paul's inclusion on this list is justified by his consistent excellence and ability to impact winning. He's a floor general in the truest sense, capable of dictating the pace and flow of the game. His leadership extends beyond statistics, with a reputation for mentoring younger players and fostering team cohesion.

Five Fast Facts

1. Led the league in assists five times and steals six times
2. Named to the NBA All-Defensive Team nine times
3. Two-time Olympic gold medalist (2008, 2012)
4. First player in NBA history to record 20,000 points and 10,000 assists
5. Holds the NBA record for most consecutive games with a steal (108)

Career Highlights Timeline

2005: Drafted 4th overall by New Orleans Hornets, wins Rookie of the Year 2008: First All-Star selection, leads Hornets to franchise-record 56 wins 2011: Traded to Los Angeles Clippers, transforms franchise into contender 2013: Leads league in assists (9.7) and steals (2.4) 2018: Joins Houston Rockets, team reaches Western Conference Finals 2020: Leads young Oklahoma City Thunder team to surprise playoff appearance 2021: Guides Phoenix Suns to NBA Finals in first season with team 2023: Becomes third all-time in assists, surpassing Magic Johnson

Chris Paul's career is a testament to his exceptional skill, leadership, and basketball intellect. His ability to elevate team performance, coupled with his individual accolades, solidifies his place among the most dominant players in NBA history. As he continues to compete at a high level well into his 30s, Paul's legacy as one of the greatest point guards ever is already secure.

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