NBA Player Power Rankings: Stars Getting Hot at Perfect Time

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Mar 20, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) drives with the ball against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

7. Chris Paul, Los Angeles Clippers

Last Rank: No. 8

Position: Point Guard

Age: 30

Slash Line: .463/.375/.890

Season Averages: 33.3 MPG, 19.9 PPG, 9.8 APG, 4.1 RPG, 2.2 SPG, 1.7 3PM

When it comes to being fundamentally polished in every phase of the game, there are few players in the NBA more complete than Chris Paul. There’s no true flaw in his skill set, and that includes his proven ability to score during late-game situations in the playoffs.

Unfortunately for CP3, Blake Griffin continues to miss time, and the Los Angeles Clippers are finally beginning to pay the price for it.

Paul has led the Clippers to severe overachievement in 2015-16, with Los Angeles going 26-14 in 40 games without Griffin. Unfortunately, the Clippers have dropped five of their past six games, with every loss calling on Griffin as a player who could’ve helped.

Nevertheless, Paul has earned the ranking of No. 7 in the NBA with his purely brilliant work in 2015-16.

Since Griffin went down on Christmas Day, Paul has played at an All-NBA level. During that 40-game stretch, Paul has averaged 21.3 points, 10.5 assists, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 steals on an efficient slash line of .465/.380/.887.

Los Angeles is bordering on being a legitimate championship contender, but Paul needs Griffin to return if he’s to put on the finishing touches.

Next: Not an All-Star