NBA Player Power Rankings: New Year's Resolutions

NBA Player Power Rankings: New Year’s Resolutions

December 25, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) during the second quarter in a NBA basketball game on Christmas against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Cavaliers 89-83. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

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December 25, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) controls the ball against Los Angeles Lakers during the second half of an NBA basketball game on Christmas at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

17. Chris Paul, Los Angeles Clippers

Last Rank: Honorable Mention

Position: Point Guard

Age: 30

Slash Line: .455/.350/.903

Season Averages: 32.2 MPG, 18.0 PPG, 9.0 APG, 3.4 RPG, 2.0 SPG

New Year’s Resolution: Stay Healthy

Chris Paul has spent most of the 2015-16 NBA regular season outside of the Top 20, but he broke through during the final week of 2015. Since finding stability from a health perspective, Paul has been nothing short of brilliant.

There’s no way around it: Paul is back in the Top 20.

At 30 years old, there was a widespread fear that CP3 had begun to hit his decline. Never one to get by on his athleticism, Paul has responded to his critics by leading the Los Angeles Clippers to four consecutive wins, including three without Blake Griffin.

Over the past week, Paul had two games with 23 points, and another pair with exactly 19 points and 11 assists—odd and impressive.

Very quietly, Paul has achieved rankings of No. 7 in Win Shares per 48 minutes and No. 9 in Player Efficiency Rating. He’s averaging 19.1 points and 9.8 rebounds in December, and has overcome a slow start to return to his usual form.

A four-time assists leader and six-time steals champion, Paul is is back on track to what would be his ninth All-Star Game appearance.

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