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NBA Player Power Rankings: Naughty Or Nice Edition

By Maxwell Ogden

Dec 17, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) guards Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) in the first quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 17, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) guards Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) in the first quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /
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December 21, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) reacts for a foul after scoring a basket against Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
December 21, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) reacts for a foul after scoring a basket against Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Honorable Mention: Chris Paul, Los Angeles Clippers

Last Rank: N/A
Position: Point Guard
Age: 30
Slash Line: .452/.375/.893
Season Averages: 32.2 MPG, 17.5 PPG, 9.0 APG, 3.3 RPG, 2.0 SPG, 1.4 3PM

Chris Paul and the Los Angeles Clippers can’t seem to catch a break. Not only did the NBA admit that Paul should’ve received a foul call on a late made field goal against the Oklahoma City Thunder, but Kevin Durant’s game-winner shouldn’t have counted.

Nevertheless, CP3 deservedly reappears in the player power rankings.

Paul is coming off of a week that helped stabilize his fluctuating season. He opened with 27 points, 10 assists and three steals against the San Antonio Spurs, posted 12 points, 10 dimes and seven steals at the Houston Rockets, and finished with 32 points and 10 assists opposite Russell Westbrook and the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Somehow, the Clippers lost all three of those games.

True as that may be, these are the player power rankings, and not many players have been better than Paul. This type of stretch has been anticipated, and the seven-time All-NBA honoree finally delivered.

For whatever the reason may be, the Clippers haven’t backed him up.

Holiday Ruling: Nice

Next: The Defensive Anchor