When talking about the greatest point guards ever, names like Magic Johnson, John Stockton, Oscar Roberston, and even Steph Curry are some of the first to come up.
But in light of recent events, is it time to add a new name to the conversation?
After getting swept by the Phoenix Suns, Nuggets coach Mike Malone made a rather strong and controversial statement about Chris Paul…
Nuggets coach Michael Malone: “Chris Paul could arguably be the greatest point guard of all time.” #CP3
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) June 14, 2021
“Chris Paul could arguably be the greatest point guard of all time.”
– Nuggets Head Coach Mike Malone
(via @MikeAScotto) pic.twitter.com/gjrewWDb2l
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) June 14, 2021
It doesn’t seem like he has CP3 pegged at #1 just yet, but the fact that he thinks Paul could even get there really says a lot about how much this playoff run means for the veteran star.
Naturally, though, fans weren’t so quick to agree with coach Malone’s statement:
https://twitter.com/Officialj0nn/status/1404285728549445634
This nigga should be fired for losing and saying this bs
— 𝓟𝓲’𝓮𝓻𝓻𝓮🥣 (@RainmakerEra) June 14, 2021
Not even close to being top three.
— LeGoat🔥🇩🇴 (@LeGoatFan_10) June 14, 2021
https://twitter.com/2xlovesLEBRON23/status/1404285655010643971
Lmao not even top 3 wtf he’s played in one conference finals in his whole career 😂
— Brodyy™️ (@TheBrodyy) June 14, 2021
https://twitter.com/happyjetsfan_/status/1404285638434865160
Obviously, CP3’s leadership and playmaking abilities are unparalleled. What he was able to do in OKC and now, in Phoenix, prove the guy is insanely valuable.
Despite a disappointing postseason track record, his resume isn’t bad either. Over 15 seasons, he’s an 11x All-Star, 9x All-NBA player, and 9x All-Defensive player.
Combine everything he brings to the table, and Paul certainly belongs up there with some of the best. If he wins a championship this season, it will vault him even higher up the list.
But it remains to be seen whether or not the basketball world will ever accept him as the NBA’s GOAT point guard.
