Houston Rockets: 2017-18 player grades for Chris Paul
Strengths
With over a decade of experience at the point guard position, Paul has filled his toolbox with many weapons, making him one of the more dangerous offensive players in the league.
His handles may not be on the highlight-level of Stephen Curry and Kyrie Irving, but Paul is able to keep the ball on a string, weaving it in, out and all around to get where he needs to go, rarely fumbling the ball or allowing the opposition to strip him.
More from Houston Rockets
- 5 NBA players everyone should be keeping a close eye on in 2023-24
- 5 NBA teams on the rise that will surprise everyone in 2023-24
- The latest intel has Houston ready to overpay for two free agency targets
- NBA Rumors: Houston has a polarizing backup plan if they don’t land Harden
- NBA Rumors: Houston could make a win-now trade for a star this summer
At 6-foot-nothing with little athleticism, Paul has mastered the mid-range game, capable of stopping on a dime and unleashing his high-release jumper.
CP3 shot 53.2 percent from 10 feet out to the 3-point line, forcing defenses to play him tight off the pick-and-roll, which then allowed Paul to attack the basket if he sees an angle.
His efficiency was on par with his career averages, finishing the regular season with a line of .460/.380/.919.
While his assist averages may have been the second-lowest of his career, Paul’s passing ability remained sharp as ever, with a tactical-like ability to facilitate and take care of the basketball, made easier by D’Antoni’s simplistic offensive system.
On the defensive end, Paul remained a thief with 1.7 steals, while his age didn’t affect his ability to lock up opposing guards, slightly increasing his defensive win shares from the season prior from 2.6 to 2.7.