Where would ’08 Chris Paul rank today?

Matt15 · Post #1 » by **Matt15** » Tue Feb 28, 2023 5:46 am

Title

rk2023 · Post #2 » by **rk2023** » Tue Feb 28, 2023 6:18 am

Top 5 was my guess, with Jokic, Giannis, Curry it’s hard to say top three definitely, but I could very much see it if Curry / Durant / Embiid are slowed down &/or have an injury problem.

Just for example:
While I like Doncic’s skillset somewhat more, from a decision making standpoint - this version of Paul does “more with less” from a box vs. offensive impact standpoint (at least relative to their eras). That said, I’m also keen on how his playmaking translates into a far more analytically driven league (more rim and three shots), while I think the bounce he had pre knee injury (playing into his finishing acumen) along with the mid range excellence Paul has displayed in a timeless fashion makes his scoring translate today.

ardee · Post #3 » by **ardee** » Tue Feb 28, 2023 9:20 am

Definitely top 5. I'd say in this RS only Jokic and Giannis are definitely better. He's arguable with anyone else since everyone else including Curry has durability issues. If Curry plays only 50 games I'm not ranking him over CP3 who played 80.

In the Playoffs that year he was INSANE, just slicing up the opposition like crazy getting to the rim.

No-more-rings · Post #4 » by **No-more-rings** » Tue Feb 28, 2023 2:07 pm

Probably like 4th behind Jokic, Giannis and Curry.

Colbinii · Post #5 » by **Colbinii** » Tue Feb 28, 2023 2:11 pm

I don't have him behind this Curry.

I would have him 2nd this year behind Jokic.

70sFan · Post #6 » by **70sFan** » Tue Feb 28, 2023 4:09 pm

Curry misses so much time in the RS I can't see him ahead of Paul... especially considering it's arguable if he's even better per minute to begin with.

dygaction · Post #7 » by **dygaction** » Tue Feb 28, 2023 7:31 pm

He would lead the league in assist and steal, averaging ~25ppg with above average efficiency, while playing good defense.

Not over Jokic or Giannis. In the same tier with Embiid, Luka, Curry, Durant, and maybe Tatum. You can argue a few but not all of them over CP3, so around top 5.

SK21209 · Post #8 » by **SK21209** » Tue Feb 28, 2023 9:19 pm

That 2008 WCSF series against the Spurs, man I'd never seen a PG play like that. The Spurs were completely incapable of keeping him out of the paint. He wasn't the elite midrange shooter he became with the Clippers, but he was lightening quick and played the pick and roll and pick and pop perfectly. Top 5 is tough, I'd have to think a lot about how he'd stack up against Durant, Curry, Embiid, etc. I think he's firmly Top 10 though, 08 Paul is a better PG than Morant or Dame.