Chris Paul

Chris Paul is the most fundamentally sound point guard of his generation and one of the greatest floor generals in NBA history. His ability to control a game's tempo, protect the basketball, and run a half-court offense is unmatched among his contemporaries. He has led the league in assists five times and steals six times — a combination of playmaking and defensive disruption that puts him in elite historical company.

Paul's career has been defined by brilliance paired with heartbreak. His 2007-08 season with New Orleans — 21.1 points, 11.6 assists, 2.7 steals — was one of the greatest point guard seasons ever, and he finished second in MVP voting to Kobe Bryant. His Lob City Clippers were consistently excellent in the regular season but plagued by playoff collapses, most notably the 2015 series against Houston where LA blew a 3-1 lead.

The 2021 Suns Finals appearance was Paul's best chance at a championship, but Phoenix lost to Milwaukee after leading 2-0. At his peak, Paul's mid-range game was surgical, his leadership transformed every team he joined, and his basketball IQ was the highest in the league. The absence of a ring is the only thing keeping one of the smartest players ever from ranking higher.