Chris Paul and Allen Iverson are two of the greatest guards in NBA history, the former being a prototypical point guard while the latter was a combo guard and high-usage scorer. Both players dominated their eras in their styles, with Paul competing in the NBA currently at 39 years old and Iverson ending his career by age 35. To compare the resumes of the two all-time great guards, we have an ultimate career comparison between Chris Paul and Allen Iverson.
NBA Championships
Chris Paul: 0
Allen Iverson: 0
Despite his numerous individual accolades and contributions to his teams, Chris Paul has yet to secure an NBA championship. Over his career, he has led teams like the New Orleans Hornets, Los Angeles Clippers, Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Phoenix Suns deep into the playoffs. His closest brush with the title came in the 2020-21 season when he guided the Phoenix Suns to the NBA Finals, where they ultimately fell to the Milwaukee Bucks. Paul’s career has been marked by a series of unfortunate injuries and tough playoff matchups that have kept him from clinching the ultimate prize.
Allen Iverson also never captured an NBA championship. Iverson’s most notable season was in 2000-01 when he led the Philadelphia 76ers to the NBA Finals. Iverson carried a team that lacked significant star power to the Finals, winning Game 1 against the heavily favored Los Angeles Lakers before losing the series in five games. Iverson’s career was defined by his dominance, but like Paul, he was often up against superior teams and circumstances that prevented him from winning a championship. In this category, neither player has the edge as both retired without an NBA title.
Advantage: Even
Finals MVP Awards
Chris Paul: 0
Allen Iverson: 0
As Chris Paul has never won an NBA championship, he also has not secured a Finals MVP award. His lone Finals appearance with the Phoenix Suns in 2021 showcased his leadership and skill, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Milwaukee Bucks. Despite his efforts, which included a stellar 32-point performance in Game 1, the Suns were defeated in six games. Paul’s contributions were vital, but the Finals MVP honor went to Giannis Antetokounmpo, who dominated the series for the Bucks.
Allen Iverson also never claimed a Finals MVP award, as his only Finals appearance in 2001 did not result in a championship. Despite his remarkable performance, averaging 35.6 points per game in the series, Iverson couldn’t lead the 76ers past the Lakers. His standout moment came in Game 1, where he scored 48 points and famously stepped over Tyronn Lue, but the Lakers, led by Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant, proved too strong.
Advantage: Even
MVP Awards
Chris Paul: 0
Allen Iverson: 1 (2001)
Chris Paul has consistently been one of the top point guards in the league, but he has never won an MVP award. His best finish in MVP voting came in the 2007-08 season when he finished second to Kobe Bryant. That season, Paul averaged 21.1 points, 11.6 assists, and 2.7 steals per game, leading the New Orleans Hornets to a 56-26 record. Despite his impressive performances, he has always been edged out by other superstars during his era.
Allen Iverson, on the other hand, won the MVP award in the 2000-01 season. Iverson’s MVP season was nothing short of spectacular, as he led the league in scoring with 31.1 points per game and guided the 76ers to the best record in the Eastern Conference. This was also the same season the guard carried the team to the NBA Finals and took Game 1 against the Los Angeles Lakers in one of the greatest MVP seasons ever.
Advantage: Allen Iverson
Defensive Player Of The Year Awards
Chris Paul: 0
Allen Iverson: 0
Chris Paul has been recognized for his defensive prowess throughout his career, but he has never won a Defensive Player of the Year award. Paul is renowned for his ability to read passing lanes, quick hands, and relentless on-ball defense, which has earned him nine selections to the NBA All-Defensive Teams. His career averages of 2.1 steals per game and his consistent defensive impact have made him one of the best defensive point guards in NBA history.
Allen Iverson, despite his incredible offensive talents, never won a Defensive Player of the Year award either. Iverson was known more for his scoring and flashy play than for his defensive contributions. Standing at just 6 feet tall, Iverson’s defensive impact was often overshadowed by his offensive output. While he did lead the league in steals three times and had a career average of 2.2 steals per game, his overall defensive game did not match the criteria typically awarded with the DPOY. Thus, neither player has an edge in this category.
Advantage: Even
Scoring Titles
Chris Paul: 0
Allen Iverson: 4 (1999, 2001, 2002, 2005)
Chris Paul, while a highly skilled scorer, has never won a scoring title. His career has been defined more by his playmaking and ability to facilitate for his teammates rather than his scoring. Paul’s career scoring average of 17.9 points per game highlights his ability to score when needed, but his primary role has always been as a floor general. His highest scoring season came in 2008-09 when he averaged 22.8 points per game, but has five assist titles to his name to be fair.
Allen Iverson, in stark contrast, was a prolific scorer and won four scoring titles during his career. Iverson led the league in scoring in 1998-99, 2000-01, 2001-02, and 2004-05, with his highest scoring average being 33.0 points per game in the 2005-06 season. Known for his quickness, crossover, and ability to finish at the rim, Iverson was a scoring machine despite his small stature and has the third-most scoring titles in NBA history behind Michael Jordan (10) and Wilt Chamberlain (7).
Advantage: Allen Iverson
All-NBA Teams
Chris Paul: 11 (4 First Team, 5 Second Team, 2 Third Team)
Allen Iverson: 7 (3 First Team, 3 Second Team, 1 Third Team)
Chris Paul has been named to the All-NBA Team 11 times throughout his illustrious career. His selections include four First Team, five Second Team, and two Third Team honors. This recognition highlights Paul’s sustained excellence and impact on the game over the years. Paul’s ability to consistently perform at a high level and lead his teams as both a scorer and facilitator makes him a perennial All-NBA candidate.
Allen Iverson earned seven All-NBA Team selections during his career, including four First Team, five Second Team, and two Third Team honors. Iverson’s All-NBA accolades reflect his dominance as a scorer and his ability to lead his team despite often being undersized compared to his opponents. His relentless style of play and ability to take over games made him a standout player in the league. While impressive, Iverson’s seven All-NBA selections fall short of Paul’s 11, giving Paul the advantage in this category.
Advantage: Chris Paul
All-Star Appearances
Chris Paul: 12
Allen Iverson: 11
Chris Paul has been selected to the NBA All-Star Game 12 times in his career. Paul has often been one of the standout players in the All-Star Game, showcasing his playmaking skills and ability to compete with the best in the league. His 12 All-Star selections highlight his long-term relevance and excellence in the NBA, as he made his selections with the Hornets, Clippers, Thunder, and Suns.
Allen Iverson made 11 All-Star appearances during his career. Known for his electrifying play and popularity among fans, Iverson was frequently a starter and a highlight of the All-Star Weekend. He even won the All-Star Game MVP twice, in 2001 and 2005, showcasing his ability to shine among the league’s elite. Despite Iverson’s impressive All-Star record, Paul’s 12 appearances give him a slight edge in this category as he has had a longer prime.
Advantage: Chris Paul
All-Defensive Teams
Chris Paul: 9 (7 First Team, 2 Second Team)
Allen Iverson: 0
Chris Paul has been named to the NBA All-Defensive Team nine times, including seven First Team and two Second Team selections. His defensive prowess, quick hands, and ability to disrupt opponents have made him a standout defender throughout his career. His nine All-Defensive Team selections underscore his status as one of the best defensive guards in NBA history, and he has six steals titles to prove that.
Allen Iverson never received an All-Defensive Team selection during his career. While he was a prolific scorer and known for his steals, Iverson’s overall defensive game was not as highly regarded. Iverson’s career average of 2.2 steals per game with three steals titles is impressive, but it did not translate into All-Defensive Team honors. That means Chris Paul wins in another category.
Advantage: Chris Paul
Total Win Shares
Chris Paul: 209.4
Allen Iverson: 99.0
Chris Paul’s total win shares of 209.4 reflect his immense contribution to his teams’ success over his career. Win shares measure a player’s overall impact on their team’s victories, taking into account both offensive and defensive contributions. Paul’s leadership and impact have been crucial in leading his teams to many successful seasons, even if it hasn’t culminated in an NBA championship.
Allen Iverson’s total win shares of 99.0 indicate his significant, yet different, impact on his teams compared to Chris Paul. Despite playing on teams that often lacked depth, Iverson’s individual brilliance helped lead his teams to playoff appearances and memorable runs, such as the 2001 NBA Finals. However, Iverson’s style of play, which included a high volume of shots and sometimes inefficient scoring, resulted in a lower win-share total compared to Paul.
Advantage: Chris Paul
Career Player Efficiency Rating
Chris Paul: 24.0
Allen Iverson: 20.9
Chris Paul’s career Player Efficiency Rating (PER) of 24.0 underscores his efficiency and effectiveness on the court. Paul’s high PER reflects his ability to impact the game in multiple ways, making smart decisions, and maintaining a high level of play throughout his career. His balance of scoring, playmaking, and defense has made him one of the most efficient and effective players in NBA history.
Allen Iverson’s career PER of 20.9 highlights his productivity, particularly in terms of scoring. Iverson was known for his ability to put up points in bunches, often carrying his team offensively. While Iverson’s PER is impressive, especially considering his era and the style of play, it falls short of Paul’s more balanced and efficient contributions. In this category, Paul’s higher PER gives him a clear advantage.
Advantage: Chris Paul
Final Score
Chris Paul vs. Allen Iverson 5-2
When comparing the careers of Chris Paul and Allen Iverson, both players have made significant impacts on the NBA, but their strengths and contributions to the game differ. Chris Paul holds a clear edge in several categories, including All-NBA Teams, All-Star Appearances, All-Defensive Teams, Total Win Shares, and Player Efficiency Rating.
Allen Iverson, meanwhile, excels in scoring-related categories, having won four scoring titles and securing an MVP award. His ability to dominate offensively and carry his team through sheer scoring prowess made him a cultural icon and one of the most electrifying players to watch.
The final score of 5-2 in favor of Chris Paul suggests that while Iverson’s peak performance and scoring ability were unparalleled, Paul’s sustained excellence and longer career give him the overall edge in this career comparison.
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