How Would Chris Paul Look Like On The Knicks

Chris “Point God” Paul didn’t earn his nickname for nothing. He’s been on multiple teams, starting his career on the New Orleans Hornets after being the 4th overall pick in the 2005 NBA draft. After that tenure, he was part of the former Lob City Los Angeles Clippers team in the early 2010s. Ever since he’s entered the league, he has tore apart league defenses by using his quickness, his elite basketball IQ as well as his all-world court vision.

Throughout his career, Chris Paul has been widely regarded as an elite scorer, especially playing in just a 6’1 body frame. He’s also known as one of the best passers in the game, averaging 9.5 assists in his career. This is only possible because of his court-vision and ball-handling abilities which allows him to be a very dominant and effective player.

He’s no slouch on defense either as he plays very actively and aggressively on that end, giving his all for the team. His basketball IQ level is off the charts and a recent example of that would be helping his current team, the OKC Thunder, win a match when he spotted an opponent check onto the court without his uniform tucked which is a violation of NBA rules. This just shows the extent of his knowledge of the game and how he uses it to help his team win.

This past summer, he was traded to a seemingly rebuilding Oklahoma City Thunder, but has led the team to a 6th seed in the ultra-competitive Western Conference; He’s also helping Shai Gilgeous-Alexander flourish under his supreme leadership. He is currently averaging 17.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 6.8 assists this season in 63 games played. 

Frank Isola reported a few days ago that the New York Knicks had been gathering intel to make a run at him this summer. Of course, Chris Paul then pointed out that the report came out in order to cover up the Spike Lee controversy, but it’s always fun to speculate. Let’s take a look at what Chris Paul would bring to the table for the New York Knicks organization:

Intangibles:

At 34 years-old, Chris Paul is an experienced leader in the locker-room. Every team he has been on is set up for success, and even though he hasn’t won anything yet, he consistently helps make his team competitive in the playoffs. In the past, he led the relatively new Hornets/Pelicans franchise to the playoffs 3 out of the 6 seasons he played there. He then led the LA Clippers to a playoff berth in all of his 6 seasons there. Two seasons and two playoff berths for the Houston Rockets playing alongside James Harden, and is now on pace to lead the written-off Oklahoma City Thunder to a playoff berth again this season. Every team he’s on appears to be a playoff team and that is no coincidence

He also has the ability to greatly influence young players who play alongside him and help them flourish with a prime example being Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He has nurtured Shai and has taught him the little details that would help him become one of the best in the game. With Paul as a mentor and a teacher, SGA has significantly raised the ceiling of his potential and is now a superstar in the making. At times, he shows glimpses of his elite talent in only his sophomore year. Similarly, Chris can use this expertise in helping out the Knicks’ young players like RJ Barrett, Kevin Knox and Mitchell Robinson and help them thrive in their careers.

Defense:

He also plays hard-nosed defence which is infectious on every team he plays. Playing aggressively, helps him utilize his smaller body to pester opponents and generate turnovers. The defence is something that the Knicks have trouble with, partly due to the fact of frequent player and coaching changes every year. He’ll bring a sense of stability to the young Knicks team and help them succeed in their own end. Over his career, he has averaged 2.2 steals per game which is the showing of a truly, special defender and all this considering he is one of the shorter point-guards in the league. He is also 7th among all-time players in total steals, showing to how good of a defender this guy is.

Offense:

Chris Paul is a scorer, passer and everything in between. He uses his quick acceleration and deceleration that deceives defenders, so it would easily allow him to create his own shot. He would bring another element to the Knicks offense by not only bringing a potent scorer, but also bringing in an elite ball-distributor and ball-handler. As mentioned above, Paul has averaged 9.5 assists throughout his career and is sitting at 7th on the all-time list for most assists dished out in a career. He has elite court-awareness and knows where all the other nine players are on the court at all times. This allows him more time to survey the floor to make the right play in the most efficient way possible. He was the staple of Lob City, throwing up alley-oops to Blake Griffin and Deandre Jordan, becoming a part of one of the most exciting teams of all time. On the Knicks, he would space the floor, allowing RJ Barrett time and space to develop and detail his game. His passing would help the team create flow on offense and not have players iso on every offensive possession. 

Overall Outlook:

In general, Chris Paul would be a significant addition to any team. Bringing a player like Chris Paul will give hope to this ever-loyal fan-base and will give them an aging star who still has a lot left in the tank. But, as we all know, the Knicks are rumored to acquire everyone so this should not be seen any differently. They would have to bring other players in order to have a legitimate shot at the championship. At this age, Chris Paul would not be enough. Hopefully, the Knicks’ fortunes change and maybe they do acquire Paul along with someone else. That would be something to see.