"These are some of the best moments, I think, of my life that we're experiencing right now," ... "We're just riding a wave" Chris Paul's comments after last nights blowout of the NBA's defending Champions.
So here's the comparison, to of the brightest young stars in the NBA.
Chris Paul vs. Deron Williams, the top 2 point guards in the NBA.
Yes, you heard me correctly, the top two point guards in the National Basketball League, so move over Tony Parker, Baron Davis, Allen Iverson and Steve Nash.
In the 2005 NBA Draft the Utah Jazz selected Deron Williams with the 3rd pick, while Chris Paul slide to the Hornets with the 4th pick.
Chris Paul wins the battle statistically while putting up 21.1 points per game, 4.0 rebounds per game, and 11.6 assists per game, and 2.7 steals per game. Paul is a 85% free throw shooting, with a 48% field goal percentage, and a 37% 3-pt field goal percentage. I almost forget to mention that Paul turns the ball over a mere 2.51 times a game.
On the other hand, Deron put up 18.9 points a game, with 3 rebounds, and 10.5 assists. Just over a steal a game averaging 1.1 steals, and nearly a full turnover 3.51 more a game then Paul. Deron does in fact shoot a high percentage then Paul, with a 50% field goal percentage, 39.5% from downtown, but only 80% from the charity stripe.
Head to head is a different story. Deron Williams owns Chris Paul, with the Jazz winning 7 of the 8 meetings the two teams have faced each other. Deron field goal percentage is almost 20% higher then Paul's when the two teams face off.
Paul's ability to create space, create the most amazing opportunities for his teammates, often hitting Peja for often 3's is just not up for comparison.
If Utah had the opportunity to re-draft, you think that would take Chris Paul with the third overall pick?
(Oh yea, in case you were wondering Andrew Bogut went first overall in the 2005 draft to the Bucks, and the Hawks selected Marvin Williams with the 2nd overall pick)
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5 months ago
the head to head numbers are interesting, but i think chris paul is the best point guard in the league. i think he is the best small point guard since isiah thomas. i have seen from him an ability to dominate a game in a way i have not seen yet from williams. i would agree that williams is definitely the #2 best pg in the league right now, and then it is everyone else. tony parker dominated steve nash in round one, and paul has dominated parker thus far in round two.
from 5 months ago
wouldn't it be a pleasure to have deron and cp3 go head-to-head in the third round? hopefully, deron will put his skills to the test against the lakers and hopefully we can come out with a match-up of the top 2 pgs of today.
5 months ago
CP3 beats out Deron Williams, but that doesn't take anything away from Williams, he is a great young player, Paul is just a rare talent.
5 months ago
If CP3 is superman, williams and the Jazz are his kryptonite. I don't know what it is, but the Hornets have a terrible time against Utah. As a Hornets fan, I'd rather take my chances with Kobe and the Lake show than Williams and the Jazz.
But both are great young players that fit their teams very well.
5 months ago
Paul is the best point guard in the NBA it is not even close. Williams is underappreciated.
5 months ago
If Chris Paul was in Utah's system and Deron Williams was in New Orleans' system, neither would be as effective. When defenses collapse on Paul's screen/roll game, Mehmet Okur won't be dunking in alley-oops. Also, Utah's way of using Williams to set cross screens and back screens on opposing bigs won't fly if Paul was the point guard. Thirdly, Utah doesn't have the spot up shooters to take advantage of Paul's driving and kicking.
Conversely, the Hornets fast break wouldn't be quite as dangerous with Williams running it, and screen/rolls to Chandler wouldn't be as effective because Paul throws a better lob pass.
The Jazz fare well against the Hornets because they rough New Orleans up down low, and because they play so patient that opportunities for Paul to excel in the open court aren't there. Plus, Williams is the best defensive point guard that made the Western conference playoffs, aside from Derek Fisher. I don't think either team made the wrong decision at all and each team has done an amazing job of building their team around their star point guard.
The question is, what the hell were Milwaukee and Atlanta thinking!
5 months ago
Wow Erick, I didn't even think of that. You make a completely valid and true statement that each runs their teams offensive effectively.
Props to Bryon Scott.
from 5 months ago
lol, glad I could somehow say something useful.
5 months ago
I believe Williams is the better guard of the two.
The fact that he took his team to the playoffs his second year and took them to the Western Conference Finals last year is a statement enough.
If that doesn't do it for you, how about the fact that Deron's Jazz beat New Orleans 2-1 this year.
Paul's highest point total was 17.
Williams held Chris to under double figures in the other two.
Deron Williams is the better point guard.
Nice job Jeffrey.
from 5 months ago
Thanks Sean, the comment is appreciated. While I disagree and argue that CP3 is the better point guard, and he continues to put up the better numbers, their head to head stats show that Deron comes up when it matters the most. The battles for the best point guard in the 2005 draft.
Sean, If you enjoyed reading this article, I'd also appreciate your vote for article for the day.
Thanks.
5 months ago
Neither... Rajon Rondo.
from 5 months ago
lol, Jason Williams all the way!
5 months ago
haha I was serious... I guess I'm just a fan of defensive PG's where Rondo has both CP3 and Williams beat. Athough, in terms of the stat sheet, the two edge Rondo into 3rd place, but even then not by much if we're looking at critical factors such as A/T ratio. Also... I was trying to add some new energy to a played out topic.
from 5 months ago
While Rondo is a better defensive point guard than Williams and Paul, I think CP3 and Deron do so many other things well that there is no way Rondo can crack through. =)
5 months ago
HAHA,
It's a valid point you've got their. Considering the fact that Rondo plays on the Celtics, he should see a ton of open looks. Playing with Garnett, Pierce and Ray Allen on the court at the game time is bound to create some openings for Rondo.
Rondo has indeed made the most of his opportunities and taken played that to his advantage.
4 months ago
Deron Williams is better all the way.
2 months ago
Deron williams and chris paul are both good players. but i like deron williams better because he has good court vision and his presents makes the utah jazz better when they run the pick and role it is hard to stop, and deron williams is cofident and will take it to anypiont gaurd and is very consisted with his shot and is terrific in the cluth. he shows good intensity. his role is much bugger then chris pauls. i think that new orleans has the better team. the thing about chris paul is that he is a smaller player and knoew how to break down the defense. they are both smart about there desicions and are great on the fast break , but in the half court ofense williams i feel is better. however. they both are at the right organization. and in a re-draft i would do the same. wouldnt regret the pick.. but deron williams is better
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