NBA Free Agency 2018: 5 most overrated players

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HOUSTON, TX – MAY 24: Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets reacts against the Golden State Warriors in the fourth quarter of Game Five of the Western Conference Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center on May 24, 2018 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

1. Chris Paul

Paul was excellent in his first season with the Rockets. He only played in 58 regular season games due to injury, but he helped Houston earn the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference Playoffs. They ultimately fell to the Golden State Warriors, in large part due to another injury to Paul.

You should be sensing a theme here. Injuries are a big concern for Paul already. He’s not going to become more durable as he gets older. Any team that hands him a massive contract this summer is going to get solid value in the first couple years of the deal, but things could get ugly on the back-end.

Remember, Paul will be 33-years-old next season. He’s also going to push for a maximum contract offer. That means the franchise that wins the race for his services is going to pay him a boatload of cash as he approaches 40. The list of small point guards playing well that long is pretty short. Most people acknowledge it starts and ends with John Stockton.

The former Jazz star was also much more durable than Paul has proven to be in his career. It’s not impossible Paul could string a few healthy seasons together, but it isn’t all that likely.

Next: Rockets may not be able to afford Chris Paul next season

Ultimately, Paul is a brilliant point guard who is going to get a massive contract from someone this summer. In total it will be a significant overpay. The hope for the team that acquires him is that he can lead them to a title in the first year or two. After that, his contract may become one of the ugliest in the NBA.

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