Duiz wrote:-= original quote snipped =-
He doesn't need to, Paul plays with scrubs, and he needs to create more points for himself. Williams shots less and is far more efficient. Their career highs on points and assists is the same.
Williams is far more of a explosive scorer, just if he needs to. Most of the time, he has Boozer and Okur who he can rely on.
Paul doesn't play with scrubs, West has evolved into one of the better PF's in the game averaging 21/9 with a great mid-range shot and an underrated post game. Then Chandler who's one of the better man post defenders in the league and arguably the best offensive rebounder in the league, he's also improved his offensive game and become a factor on that end. Peja is one of the if not THE best shooters in the league and he's not a Kapono type player since his shot is much harder to block and he's a better shot creator (over 16 points per game).
Then guys like Bonzi, Peterson, Wright and Pargo are definitely capable. Utah has the better supporting cast but it's definitely not the difference you are saying it is to be.
And your under-playing what Paul has done. Deron is not FAR more efficient especially considering Paul scores a higher volume of points. 48.8/37.0 compared to 50.7/39.7.
Deron has had 30 points or over 7 times this season with a season high 41 points. Paul on the other hand has had 30 or more points 12 times this season including three times over 40 points. That's the definition of being more explosive and that's not even including the first two playoff games thus far.
There both fantastic play-makers and similar, but that argument your using for the scoring could be fired right back at you considering you say Deron has a much better supporting cast, how come he doesn't average MORE assists than Paul?? Especially with a pick and roll player of Boozer's caliber. Paul averages over one assist per game than Deron which doesn't seem much but it's a noticeable difference (as like one guy that averages 4 to 5). Then factor in Paul averages A FULL turnover less, the gap in terms of play-making widens a bit.
Deron is probably a better man defender, but Paul is a much better weakside defender in terms of steals and rebounds.
I like Deron, BUT Paul is definitely the better player, a more feared scorer, better play-maker/passer, rebounder, and creates more havoc in terms of forcing turnovers. Paul is special in a way that he doesn't gamble as much as an Iverson, he just takes the ball away from you. There's a reason why Paul could potentially be MVP and be no less than #2 and Deron isn't that near #5.