NBA: 30 most unguardable moves in league history

30 most unguardable moves in NBA history: 26. Chris Paul, side-step jumper

Dubbed The Point God of his generation, Chris Paul is a wizard with the basketball in his hands. An expert decision-maker with generational passing vision and an all-time basketball IQ, Paul remains a stone-cold killer well into his 30s. Much of his success is a direct result of his signature shot: A side-stepping mid-range jumper that seems to fall endlessly.

Paul commands respect and attention from his peers. For better or for worse, CP3 assumes the role of Alpha on every team he plays for. With that in mind, players know that they must adapt to Chris Paul’s game if they want any chance of sticking in the rotation.

In many cases, that means providing the Point God with space to operate. Whether it be off of designed plays, screens or because of his dribble pattern, Paul magnificently finds himself with space to move in the mid-range at all times — Particularly near the free-throw line and at the elbows.

Paul’s go-to move is a side-stepping mid-range jumper that almost always goes in. He breaks down his assigned defender one way or another, gets to his spot, takes the step and drains the shot. Standing at only 6-foot-1, CP3 has learned to make his size disadvantage an advantage with his quickness, footwork and deceptive ball control.

Defenders are so afraid of the shot that CP3 is going to set up for a teammate that they sometimes forget the man himself is a mid-range killer. Going into the 2020-21 season Paul had averaged 49 percent or better shooting from 16 feet out to the 3-point line in four straight seasons.

When Paul gains trust and chemistry with his teammates, they sometimes adapt by cutting to the basket for a rebound or a pass. On many occasions, he’ll pass out of the shot for an open bucket devised by his scoring threat.