2011 NBA Playoffs: Playoffs Show Why Chris Paul Is Better Than Derrick Rose

The recent resurgence of New Orleans Hornets point guard Chris Paul in the playoffs has ventured me into a topic that doesn't seem to be receiving the hype it deserves.

While the diminutive 6-footer (generously listed I must say) is single-handedly dismantling the vaunted Los Angeles Lakers with a bare cupboard, a.k.a. the Hornets supporting cast, MVP front runner Derrick Rose has the Chicago Bulls fighting for their lives in a series against the sub .500 Indiana Pacers.

While I understand the series is 3-1 Bulls, I also understand that not one of those victories has come easy.

The casual Windy City fan chimes in with, "Ya, but without Rose the Bulls wouldn't even be in those games right?"

Really?

Or is the only reason the Pacers are even in these games because Rose has been so inefficient with the basketball in his hands?

Let's look at the numbers before diving into anything else:

Derrick Rose (2011 Playoffs): 28.3 points, 6.3 assists, 5.3 rebounds

Chris Paul (2011 Playoffs): 25.5 points, 11.5 assists, 7.1 rebounds

Slightly comparable numbers, although I would give Paul the edge simply after this statistical breakdown.

But, let's take a further look at how each player is arriving at those numbers:

Derrick Rose (2011 Playoffs): .352 FG %, 22.0 shots per game, 4.3 turnovers

Chris Paul (2011 Playoffs): .571 FG %, 14.0 shots per game, 3.3 turnovers

Now if these numbers don't catch your eye at least a little bit, we'll break them down.

Rose's assist-to-turnover ratio is sitting at 1.47, compared to Paul's at 3.49.  Throw in the fact that Rose has taken 32 more shots than Paul in as many games, mustering only 11 more points.

The playoffs have shed just a mere sliver of light onto a situation that has been prevalent this entire season.  The highlight reel film that is Derrick Rose is phenomenal for the game of basketball, but not ideal for the idea behind team basketball.

Paul is finally beginning to trust his knee again following surgery, after getting out of his brace just three months ago. 

Rose has simply become the hot new thing and the same thing that led analysts and sportswriters alike to deem Paul the best point guard in the league just a year ago.  The only difference is Paul has been doing this for years, while Rose is just in his third season.

Don't talk about heart, guts or somebody's will to win.  All are fantastic assets, but unfortunately are generated by the media predominantly brainwashing fans to believing something untrue.  Take my word for it folks, I'm sure Paul trains just as hard as Rose in the off-season.

Ultimately, statistics tell a story of what truly happens throughout a basketball game.  A story that has proved Rose to be an amazing talent, but an inefficient star as well.

Rose will probably be holding some hardware during the second round when the MVP trophy is presented.

But, Paul is just happy to shake-off his knee brace in exchange for his cape, regaining his place atop the elite point guards in the NBA.