Fansided

Why Chris Paul should have made the 2017 NBA All-Star team

By Andre Snellings

Dec 14, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; LA Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) looks on against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Amway Center. LA Clippers defeated the Orlando Magic 113-108. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 14, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; LA Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) looks on against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Amway Center. LA Clippers defeated the Orlando Magic 113-108. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Chris Paul
Nov 11, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) handles the ball against LA Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) during the fourth quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

An exceptional defender

Paul is also a key part of their defense, which is another strength of the team. The Clippers allow 106.6 points per 100 possessions, good for seventh in the league and only one point out of fifth place. When Paul is on the floor, though, the team allows only 102.3 points per 100 possessions which is better than the 103.4 points per 100 possessions allowed by the top defense in the NBA (Golden State Warriors) and 9.4 points better than when Paul is not on the court.

Paul is an excellent defender by reputation, with five straight NBA All Defensive 1st team selections and six overall. But a closer look at the numbers tends to support Paul as one of the better point guard defenders in the league, making the teams well-deserved. Paul has led the NBA in steals five times, and with 2.2 steals per game this season he is currently tied with John Wall for the league lead. Paul has quick enough feet to stay in front of his man, and enough upper-body strength to fight through picks when possible to disrupt the on-ball pick and roll set that is the bread and butter for many offenses. And the same basketball IQ that makes Paul a maestro on offense, also helps him to understand opposing offenses and put himself into positions to disrupt what they are trying to do.

Another sneaky way that Paul influences the defense is through his offense. The same high-scoring and passing efficiency that helps the offense finish efficiently, also prevents a surplus of missed shots and turnovers that would ultimately lead to easy fast break scoring opportunities by the opponent.

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