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Midseason NBA Player Rankings: Steph Curry vs. James Harden

By Bryce Olin

Jan 21, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) shoots the ball against the Houston Rockets during the third quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors won 126-113. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 21, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) shoots the ball against the Houston Rockets during the third quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors won 126-113. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 7, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) passes the ball away from Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) during the game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 7, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) passes the ball away from Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) during the game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /

17. Chris Paul 

17.6 PPG, 9.6 APG, 4.6 RPG, 24.6 PER

Anyone know what’s up with Chris Paul lately?

He’s playing well and competing, especially on defense. But, he can’t shoot lately. Over his last five games, Paul is averaging 16.4 points on 36 percent shooting, which seems low for a player with his skills.

Granted, players do struggle, and Paul is getting up there in age.

It’s possible he could be taking a step back this season. That could be the case, but it also seems like Paul might be trying to get his teammates more involved in the offense, which, in turn, is making his offense suffer because he’s not playing his normal game.

Paul’s assist numbers are as good as they’ve ever been, basically. So far this season, he’s averaging 9.6 assists per game.

With Blake Griffin also stepping up into a facilitator role this season, it’s helping Paul get the rest of the offense going. It could also be why Paul isn’t averaging 12-13 assists per game this season, as well.

The Clippers are going to go as far as Paul will take them, and I don’t necessarily think that means that Paul has to be the one doing everything scoring. He simply has to be able to get the job done when it counts, like he did against Portland last Wednesday by closing the game out down the stretch.

Next: Chris Paul

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