NBA Player Power Rankings: Damian Lillard for MVP?

Feb 23, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) celebrates with teammates after defeating the Brooklyn Nets 112-104 at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Lillard finished the game with 34 points. Mandatory Credit: Godofredo Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

12 of 21

Feb 22, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) drives the ball past Phoenix Suns guard Phil Pressey (25) during the second quarter at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

10. Chris Paul, Los Angeles Clippers

Last Rank: No. 12

Position: Point Guard

Age: 30

Slash Line: .460/.382/.887

Season Averages: 33.0 MPG, 19.5 PPG, 9.5 APG, 3.9 RPG, 2.1 SPG, 1.7 3PM

The Los Angeles Clippers shouldn’t be as good as Chris Paul has made them over the past two months. After losing Blake Griffin to an injury on Christmas Day, many expected the Clippers to hit a steep decline and fall out of championship contention.

The exact opposite has transpired behind Paul’s leadership and guidance.

The Clippers are 20-7 in 27 games without Griffin. That includes a recent 105-86 blowout of the 48-9 San Antonio Spurs, during which CP3 recorded 28 points, 12 assists, five rebounds, one block, and a steal on 9-of-18 shooting from the field.

It was yet another stellar performance by a player who has taken a team with lackluster chemistry and turned it into a 37-20 contender.

On the season, Paul is No. 5 in the NBA in Win Shares per 48 minutes—a ranking that would be significantly higher had the Clippers not started the year at 17-13. Over the past 27 games, a compelling case could be made that Paul has been the league’s MVP.

That won’t happen due to how brilliant the Golden State Warriors have been, but Paul is to credit for all of the Clippers’ recent success.

Next: Historically Significant Season