NBA: Ranking every team’s best player in 2019-20

Out of all the player rankings on this list, Chris Paul falling to 21st is probably the largest outlier. He is certainly still a very talented player, a top-five point guard all-time (Magic Johnson, Stephen Curry, Steve Nash, John Stockton, Paul if you’re wondering) who when on the court can create for himself and others at a wildly efficient rate.

The problem is the “on the court” part of the equation. Paul is simply not available, both during the grind of the NBA season and when the games matter most. He missed 24 games each of the past two regular seasons and has been injured almost every single postseason since 2013 in one way or another.

Paul showed last season he is still capable of running an offense whenever James Harden sat and he will be the sole general for the Oklahoma City Thunder. He is also 34 years old and the track record of small point guards aging is not positive. Paul takes a hit due to the likelihood of missing time and the possibility of hitting the cliff.

If he holds that off and stays healthy not only should he be higher on this list, but the Thunder may make the postseason.

Looking ahead: If the Thunder were to cut Chris Paul right now, their best player would be Danilo Gallinari. He should have received more All-Star buzz than he did last season, staying healthy himself as an offensive engine for the LA Clippers. Looking further ahead, the team hopes Shea Gilgeous-Alexander can develop into an All-Star point guard himself.