Sir Charles in Charge
Fansided

Chris Paul’s lack of NBA playoff success is not his fault

By Jamie Campbell

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 30: Chris Paul #3 of the Los Angeles Clippers looks on during the second half of Game Seven of the Western Conference Quarterfinals against the Utah Jazz at Staples Center at Staples Center on April 30, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 30: Chris Paul #3 of the Los Angeles Clippers looks on during the second half of Game Seven of the Western Conference Quarterfinals against the Utah Jazz at Staples Center at Staples Center on April 30, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Chris Paul’s woeful playoff record is not all his fault

Earlier this week, Skip Bayless said that CP3 was “overrated” and that he would make the Rockets worse next season.

Now Skip is just dead wrong here about CP3. Chris Paul is, no doubt, one of the greatest point guards to ever step onto a basketball court. He can do everything on the court.

One of the best passers ever, CP3 has led the league in assists four times. But he is way more than just a facilitator. He can also score as well, boasting the best mid range jumper in the league, and has continued to improve his 3 point stroke (41% last season).

To round out his all-around game, he is one of the best defensive guards in history. Despite only standing at six-feet tall, he has great strength. Back in the 2014 playoffs, he even guarded Kevin Durant, who is at least 10 inches taller than Paul.

On top of that, Paul also has great anticipation and really quick hands, allowing him to rack up steals (led the league 6 times).

The one knock against CP3 in his career has been his record in the playoffs (33-43). He has also never made it to the Conference Finals. Now, while Paul is not immune from the blame for his playoff struggles, he is definitely not the cause.

His Time With The Hornets.

In Chris Paul’s six years in New Orleans, he made the playoffs in three of those seasons. His most successful run was in 2008 (should have been MVP) where he took the Hornets to the Conference Semi Finals and forced the Spurs to a Game 7.

More from Sir Charles In Charge

The next year they were bounced out in the first round by the Denver Nuggets in five games. Then in 2011, they were defeated by the Lakers in six games.

What did all of Paul’s teams have in common?

He just didn’t have enough help. Plain and simple. He had David West, and then just a bunch of role players. Paul was the only reason his teams were even that successful in the first place.

His Time With The Clippers

Paul seemed destined to win in LA. He had more talent around him, as they were marked as a contender every season he was there.

In 2012, they were swept by the Spurs in round 2.

In 2013 – after being up 2-0 – they lost to the Grizzlies in six games. The other guys for the Clippers just didn’t step up. Paul was brilliant, averaging 23 points on 53 percent shooting.

In 2014, they beat the Warriors in the first round in a hard-fought 7 game series, where Paul was special, even though he was playing on a bad hamstring. In the semis against the Thunder, the series was tied at 2.

Game 5 in Oklahoma City saw the Clippers go up seven with 49 seconds to go. The Thunder ended up coming back to win 105-104. Paul did have a couple of bad turnovers in that stretch, but the main turning point was when Reggie Jackson clearly knocked the ball out-of-bounds and the refs awarded possession to the Thunder.

They would go on to lose in six.

In 2015, the Clippers appeared to turn a  corner, beating the Spurs in seven games on a CP3 game winner in round 1.

They continued this momentum into the second round where they faced the Rockets. They cruised to a 3-1 lead and held a 19 point lead in game 6 that they just couldn’t hold onto. The Clippers went on to lose in Game 7. There are no excuses for this loss.

In 2016, both Paul and Blake Griffin got injured in game 4 of the first round against the Blazers and were done for the playoffs.

This past season, Griffin got injured again, leaving Paul to carry the team, but the Jazz out-lasted them in seven games.

What’s The Problem?

This is no knock against Chris Paul, but he can’t win unless he has help around him. This is because he is a true point guard, who looks to set guys up first. He’s not like guys such as Steph Curry who can carry the scoring load for an entire series.

Chris Paul has had some epic playoff performances where he has just taken over. But with his mind-set, and at his size, he can’t be expected to do that on a nightly basis, especially in the playoffs.

Looking Ahead…

Now in Houston, he has a fellow superstar by his side in James Harden. Harden is one of the best scorers in the league so Paul will not be relied upon nearly as heavily as he was in New Orleans or LA.

Must Read: NBA Trade Rumors: Carmelo Anthony Open To Trade To Rockets, Cavaliers

Surrounded by another star, and plenty of shooters, Paul is in the best position of his career to win. That’s all he needs to cement himself as a top 5 point guard of all-time.

Home/NBA News