Replacing Tony Parker: 5 Candidates In 2017
By Sai Mohan
Chris Paul
Chris Paul is quickly turning into this generation’s John Stockton.
Stockton: 10x All-Star, 9x All-NBA Team, 5x All-Defensive Team, 9x Assists Leader, 2x Steals Leader
Paul: 9x All-Star, 8x All-NBA Team, 8x All-Defensive Team, 4x Assists Leader, 6x Steals Leader
It’s unlikely that Paul surpasses Stockton’s records for assists and steals, but the Los Angeles Clippers point guard is quickly rising in the all-time lists.
While Stockton was the better defender, Paul is the more polished scorer and an equally proficient playmaker. It would be a shame if Paul, too, ends his career without the elusive championship.
Stockton would likely trade all his records for a ring. A decade from now, Paul could be forced to think along the same lines if he doesn’t act fast.
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The Clippers, founded in 1970 as the Buffalo Braves, haven’t gone beyond the second round of the playoffs in nearly 50 years of existence.
Are the Clippers cursed? Would Paul ever get past the hump playing in Los Angeles? With the Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs lurking, chances are Paul never wins a ring in L.A.
Paul must have earned Gregg Popovich’s respect after his one-legged, one-handed dagger with a second left in Game 7 of last year’s playoff series.
Paul’s incredible shot sealed the greatest moment in Clippers’ franchise history, albeit the team blew a 3-1 series lead against the Houston Rockets a round later.
That Game 7 performance validated Paul’s greatness and silenced doubters who previous dubbed him “a choker.”
Paul is too good a player to be suffering first and second round playoff exits. Unless his Clippers find a way to win the title next year, it would be an extremely wise move for CP3 to join the Spurs and learn the fine art of winning championships from the winningest coach in history.
There’s also the Wake Forest factor. The recently retired Tim Duncan and Paul are the two greatest players to ever suit up for the Demon Deacons. Dave Odom sees a lot of similarities.
"“From the standpoint of being great players and very professional and extremely dedicated to the game, they are one in the same, definitely. I know first hand that Tim is driven. And I always say that one of my biggest disappointments is that I never had the chance to coach Chris Paul,” said Odom who coached Duncan for four years in Wake Forest."
Paul could be the ideal locker room leader to replace Duncan. A big three of Paul, Kawhi Leonard and LaMarcus Aldridge would give the Warriors a lot to fret about.