Chris Paul top NBA point guard debates have intensified after former NBA player and ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins controversially ranked ten point guards ahead of Paul. The debate resurfaced as Paul, now 40 and back with the Los Angeles Clippers, continues to solidify his legacy among basketball’s all-time greats despite Perkins’ refusal to place him in the top 10 point guards of all time.
Paul’s career achievements are legendary, including second all-time rankings in assists and steals, trailing only John Stockton. However, Perkins challenged the consensus by listing ten point guards he considers superior to Paul, sparking intense discussion among fans and analysts. This provocative stance highlights ongoing conversations over how Paul’s career compares with some of the best point guards in NBA history.
Kendrick Perkins’ Take on Chris Paul’s Standing Among All-Time Point Guards
Despite Chris Paul’s historic career, Kendrick Perkins expressed that Paul belongs in the top 15 point guards all-time, but not the top 10. Perkins argued that Paul’s resume, while impressive, falls just short compared to other legendary floor generals who have claimed multiple championships or MVP awards.
CP3 is a Top 15 greatest point guard of all-time. I do not have him in my Top 10.
—Kendrick Perkins, Former NBA Player and ESPN Analyst
He also placed Paul in the same tier as other well-known guards like Chauncey Billups and Rajon Rondo, both of whom are Hall of Famers but have fewer individual accolades compared to Paul. Perkins’ position stirred debate given Paul’s long-standing reputation as “The Point God.”
I think he’s in that range of when you talk about a guy like Chauncey Billups, who just went to the Hall of Fame. When you look at a guy like Rajon Rondo, who might be knocking on the door when it comes to the Hall of Fame, that’s where I put CP3 at.
—Kendrick Perkins, Former NBA Player and ESPN Analyst
Magic Johnson: The Definitive NBA Floor General
Magic Johnson is an unquestioned inclusion in any list of top point guards, a player whose revolutionary style and leadership defined the 1980s NBA landscape. The five-time NBA champion was the centerpiece of the Showtime Lakers dynasty, paired with legendary rivalry against Larry Bird that helped revive the NBA’s popularity.
Johnson’s career statistics include averages of 19.5 points per game and 11.2 assists, with 12 All-Star selections and nine All-NBA First Team honors. His ability to excel as a versatile playmaker and his collection of championships make him Perkins’ clear top-tier choice over Chris Paul.
Stephen Curry: A Transformative Shooting Genius
Stephen Curry is one of the most revolutionary figures in modern basketball, credited with reshaping offensive strategies throughout the league with his unparalleled shooting prowess. Curry’s impact is seen both with the Golden State Warriors dynasty and on the evolution of the point guard role.
With career averages of 24.7 points per game and multiple MVP awards, Curry is often discussed alongside Magic Johnson in debates about the greatest point guards. Perkins’ ranking of Curry ahead of Paul underscores the differences in playstyle and influence, with Curry’s shooting redefining the position.
Oscar Robertson: The Original Triple-Double Machine
Nicknamed “The Big O,” Oscar Robertson transformed expectations of point guard play with his physicality and dominance, becoming the first player to average a triple-double across an entire season. Robertson’s offensive mastery helped lead the Milwaukee Bucks to their first NBA championship.
His career scoring average of 25.7 points per game and 12 All-Star selections place him well above Paul in Perkins’ view, highlighting Robertson’s historical significance and the all-around ability that set the standard for elite point guards.
John Stockton: The Ultimate Assist and Steals Leader
John Stockton shares many traits with Chris Paul, including exceptional defensive skills and elite basketball IQ. Known as the all-time leader in assists and steals, Stockton propelled the Utah Jazz to two NBA Finals appearances in the 1990s, both times falling short against Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls.
Though Paul is a more versatile scorer, Stockton’s statistical records remain unmatched. Perkins acknowledged Stockton’s status and placed Paul below him due to Stockton’s unparalleled contributions as a passer and defender.
When you look at nine of these ten, they either have a championship or they have an MVP, except for John Stockton, but he’s the all-time leader in assists, so I could put CP3 above him, but CP3 is in my Top 15.
—Kendrick Perkins, Former NBA Player and ESPN Analyst
Isiah Thomas: The Fearless Leader of the “Bad Boy” Pistons
Isiah Thomas might not post the flashiest stats, but his leadership on the “Bad Boy” Detroit Pistons earned him two NBA titles during an era packed with legends like Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and Michael Jordan. His physical style and clutch performance made him one of the toughest competitors of his time.
Thomas’ place in the top 10 point guards is undisputed in Perkins’ list, as he embodied grit and championship success in a highly competitive period. His impact on the Pistons’ back-to-back titles in 1989 and 1990 is a key factor in placing him ahead of Paul.
I thought championships mattered, and I thought MVPs mattered, and when you look at my list. Obviously, you have Isiah Thomas, who was playing in the era and won championships when he was competing against Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and Michael Jordan.
—Kendrick Perkins, Former NBA Player and ESPN Analyst
Gary Payton: The Defensive Maestro and Fierce Competitor
Gary “The Glove” Payton earned a reputation as one of the most relentless defenders in NBA history, combining tenacity with skilled offensive play. His role in the Seattle Supersonics’ success in the 1990s often gets overshadowed by the lack of an early championship, but he secured a title late with the Miami Heat.
Payton’s career accolades include nine All-Star appearances and multiple All-NBA honors. Perkins respects Payton’s unique blend of scoring, defense, and leadership, ranking him above Paul despite the hall of fame guard’s longevity and achievements.
Steve Nash: The Architect of Modern NBA Offense
Steve Nash revolutionized NBA offenses as a floor general, ushering in the fast-paced “seven-seconds-or-less” offense with the Phoenix Suns and winning back-to-back MVP awards. Known for his incredible passing and court vision, Nash was an eight-time All-Star and remains a benchmark for playmaking excellence.
Nash’s innovative offensive style contrasts with Paul’s defensive strengths, making a debate over their relative greatness a common topic. Perkins includes Nash ahead of Paul, citing his MVP honors and offensive brilliance despite Paul’s more well-rounded skill set.
Jason Kidd: Versatile Playmaker and Winning Leader
Jason Kidd excelled as a versatile guard, capable of scoring, facilitating, and defending at a high level, leading New Jersey Nets to multiple NBA Finals before closing his career with a championship in Dallas. His basketball IQ and adaptability made him one of the league’s premier point guards.
Kidd’s ten All-Star appearances and five All-NBA First Team selections make his inclusion above Paul understandable to many analysts, emphasizing his ability to fit multiple roles and influence team success.
Bob Cousy: A Celtics Legend Who Shaped Point Guard Play
Bob Cousy’s contributions to the NBA are legendary, winning six championships with the Boston Celtics and pioneering a fast-break, up-tempo style of play in the 1950s and ’60s. While his era had fewer athletic parallels to today’s game, his 13 All-Star selections and 10 All-NBA First Team honors cement his legacy.
Perkins’ placement of Cousy above Paul recognizes the Celtics legend’s impact and accolades, though the analysis admits that modern players like Paul may be more versatile given the evolution of the game.
Russell Westbrook: The Athletic Powerhouse with a Historic Triple-Double Record
Russell Westbrook’s inclusion on Perkins’ list is the most contentious. The long-time Long Beach native amassed four triple-double seasons, including an MVP in 2017, showcasing elite athleticism and scoring ability. Despite this, Perkins argued Paul’s efficiency and decision-making give him an edge in the debate between the two.
Westbrook’s career has been marked by explosive scoring and relentless energy but also criticism regarding team playoff success. Comparisons with Paul highlight contrasting styles of play and leadership effectiveness.
I don’t have CP3 ranked above Russell Westbrook. Did CP3 do a lot of things, change the franchise, win a lot of games, etc. Yes absolutely. I would never take that away from him… Russell Westbrook is a guy that had four triple-double seasons with an MVP, so I mean, look, CP3 is Top 15 in my eyes.
—Kendrick Perkins, Former NBA Player and ESPN Analyst
What This Debate Means for Chris Paul’s Legacy
Kendrick Perkins’ ranking of ten point guards above Chris Paul ignites fresh debate among NBA fans and analysts, challenging long-held views of Paul’s place among the all-time greats. While Paul’s career numbers and impact affirm his status as one of basketball’s finest floor generals, Perkins’ criteria emphasize championships and MVP accolades as pivotal for top-tier ranking.
Paul’s ongoing presence in the NBA with the Clippers means his legacy continues to evolve. As he adds to his accolades, the conversation about his position in the pantheon of point guards will remain a passionate topic. This latest controversy underscores the rich history and differing perspectives surrounding the evaluation of greatness in basketball’s ever-changing landscape.