5. Chris Paul, Los Angeles Clippers
Chris Paul has the notable distinction of being the only point guard on this list. Part of that is due to the fact that it’s hard to judge point guards defensively given the amazing offensive skills so many possess in the modern day game.
They’re feasting on one another. But there’s another element. Few point guards are legitimately as committed to running the team on the defensive end the same way they do on offense as Chris Paul (and some may be committed, but are simply less gifted defenders–see Curry, Stephen).
While Paul is known as the a ball theft (he’s led the NBA in steals per game six out of his 10 career seasons), he is a smart ball theft who understands how to bait offensive players into taking poor shots.
It isn’t only his quick hands that make him a great defender, it’s his feet which never stop moving and his brain–perhaps the smartest in today’s game.
Next: This Grizzly will maul you on defense