Chris Paul has become a great shooter. His average shot distance last season was 16.5 feet, the furthest of his career (7.8% further than his previous longest). And it’s 5 feet longer than his average shot distance as a rookie.
Last season, 29.8% of his shots were 3-pointers. That was the highest rate of his career, about 40% higher than his career average. Because he made his 3-pointers at a high rate (39.8%), he had the highest effective field goal percentage of his career. Paul’s 54.5% eFG pct was 14th in the NBA, 3rd among point guards (Stephen Curry, Goran Dragic).
HIS VALUE TO HIS TEAMMATES IS VIRTUALLY INCOMPARABLE:
The Clippers had the best offensive in the NBA last season, with an offensive rating of 109.8. Digging a little deeper, we find that with Chris Paul on the court, the Clippers offensive rating spiked to 115.1. Without Paul on the court, it was 95.6.
The Clippers were 20.4% more offensively efficient last season with Paul on the court. Los Angeles was better at rebounding, assists, turnovers and especially shooting with Paul on the court. The Clippers’ effective field goal percentage was 16.6% higher with Paul on the court.
Since joining the Clippers, Paul’s offensive rating was the highest it’s been, and the team saw it’s biggest boost with him since his arrival.
Clippers Offense
Improvement With Chris Paul On Court
Pct Improvement
2014-15 +20.4%
2013-14 +4.7%
2012-13 +10.7%
2011-12 +14.6%
MAINTAINING ELITE DEFENDER STATUS:
Which player has made the most consecutive All-NBA Defensive Teams? It’s Chris Paul. He’s made 7 in a row. His consistency has allowed him to earn elite defender status. Paul is continuously among the top point guards in defensive win shares. And, Paul has ranked in the top 10 in the league in steals percentage in all 10 of his NBA seasons.
Chris Paul
Defensive Win Shares
Rank Among PGs
2014-15 3.2 4th
2013-14 3.2 8th
2012-13 3.5 3rd
2011-12 2.3 7th
Peter Newmann is an analyst and writer who spent 10 years at ESPN, 8 as the NBA senior researcher working 24/7 on the league. He wrote game notes for crews, articles for ESPN.com, analysis for studio shows, and regularly assisted reporters and writers. Follow him on Twitter, and check out his Web site, www.peternewmann.com.