Kendrick Perkins sparked controversy this week by excluding Chris Paul from his all-time top 10 point guards list during a recent episode of the Road Trippin podcast. Perkins emphasized that he prioritizes accolades such as championships and MVP awards over longevity and consistency, which are significant factors in Paul’s Hall of Fame career.
Perkins openly stated,
“CP3 is a top-15 greatest point guard of all time, but I do not have him in my top 10,”
explaining further,
“I don’t have CP3 ranked above Russell Westbrook. When it comes down to rankings, you have to check those boxes, and you gotta have those accolades. And when I say accolades, I mean championships and MVPs. But CP3 doesn’t have one MVP.”
Point Guards Perkins Ranked Above Chris Paul
In Perkins’s controversial ranking, he placed Paul below several notable players, including ringless stars like Russell Westbrook, Steve Nash, and John Stockton. His list of preferred point guards featured notable legends such as Magic Johnson, Stephen Curry, Oscar Robertson, Isiah Thomas, Gary Payton, Jason Kidd, and Bob Cousy. Despite Paul’s impressive averages of 17.0 points and 9.2 assists per game, his recent challenges have cast doubt over his legacy in Perkins’s view.
Public Reactions to Perkins’s Ranking Ignite Intense Social Media Debate
The analyst’s decision provoked a major reaction across social media platforms, with fans passionately defending Chris Paul’s place in NBA history. Many argued that Paul’s 12 All-Star appearances and reputation as an elite floor general outweigh the absence of MVP awards or multiple championships. The debate reflects the tension around how to weigh individual accolades against consistent performance and leadership.
One fan argued,
“I’m not taking Russ, GP, nor Cousy above CP3,”
while another responded vehemently,
“Westbrick over CP3 is crazy,”
referring to Westbrook’s ranking ahead of Paul.
Additional comments added to the conversation included
“Might as well throw Kyrie and Russ in there too,”
and some users downplayed the argument, with one saying,
“Comparison is the thief of joy. Who cares?”
There were also some who sided with Perkins’s viewpoint, noting,
“No shade on CP3, but Perk is correct for once,”
though others questioned his familiarity with older players as one wrote,
“He never even saw Bob Cousy play before,”
highlighting the difficulty of ranking across eras.
Impact of East and West Coast Players and Future of the Debate
The ongoing discussion surrounding Chris Paul’s ranking shows the complexity in evaluating NBA legends. Some mentioned other stars like LeBron James, who, despite not being a traditional point guard, was suggested by one user as deserving the top spot in this kind of ranking:
“LeBron isn’t even a true PG, and he should be number 1 on this list.”
As Chris Paul prepares for what many expect to be his final season with the Los Angeles Clippers, the debate over where he stands among the greatest point guards remains as divisive as ever. Perkins’s perspective highlights a more achievement-focused approach, while fans and analysts continue to weigh other career factors such as leadership, playmaking, and consistency.
This ongoing discussion underscores the passionate nature of NBA fanbases and the challenge of ranking players who excel under different circumstances and eras. With Paul’s legacy still evolving as he competes, the Chris Paul point guard debate is likely to persist in the coming months and years.