Former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins appears to have sparked a debate after revealing his list of the top 10 point guards of all time, as Perkins made a debatable decision to exclude Chris Paul.
Perkins’ list featured some of the greatest to ever play the game. Topping the list was legend Magic Johnson, followed closely by a modern-day superstar, Stephen Curry.
Rounding out the list, in order, were Oscar Robertson, John Stockton, Isiah Thomas, Gary Payton, Russell Westbrook, Steve Nash, Jason Kidd, and finishing off with Bob Cousy.
Each of these players has a valid claim to greatness, even Bob Cousy, who was a pioneer of the sport in the point guard position. But excluding someone like Paul, who is often referred to as “The Point God”, is strange.
Perkins addressed this on an episode of the “Road Trippin’ Show“, arguing that Paul could be considered a top 15 point guard of all time instead. He said:
“I don’t have him [Paul] in my top 10. I don’t have him above Russell Westbrook. Can CP3 do a lot of things, change the franchise, win a lot of games, and things? Yes, absolutely. I would never take that away from him.”
Perkins went on to commend Paul’s impact on the various franchises he has been a part of and the success they enjoyed during his tenure with these teams. But he emphasized why Paul doesn’t deserve a spot in the top 10 by saying:
“When it comes down to rankings, you’ve got to check those boxes and you’ve got to have those accolades. When I say accolades, yes, championships and Finals MVPs, but CP3 doesn’t have one MVP.”
The former champion clarified that he wasn’t trying to downplay Paul’s career in any way, but with his criteria in place, Paul couldn’t be considered a top 10 point guard.
The logic behind Perkins’ argument holds up when considering his parameters. But regardless of accolades, excluding Paul seems unjust.
The veteran is nothing short of being the most complete floor general the league has ever seen. From his knowledge of the game, his court awareness, his playmaking, and even his leadership, Paul is the embodiment of the quintessential point guard.
With a career average of 17.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 9.2 assists, Paul has consistently delivered top-quality performances over the last 20 seasons. Even during the 2024-25 campaign, the guard found a way to contribute with an average of 8.8 points and 7.6 assists, having played all 82 games in the season.
For his consistency, longevity, and sheer brilliance, Paul was ranked eighth in our list of the top 25 greatest point guards of all time.
Heading into the 2025-26 campaign, the 40-year-old has been reunited with the Los Angeles Clippers. Though his minutes will be limited next season, Paul’s return has energized both the Clippers and their fans.
