Just like Chris Paul is dominating in the playoffs this year...Baron Davis did the very same thing last year against both Utah and Dallas. Paul has a better surrounding cast than Baron does and the Warriors style of play isnt exactly centered towards defense which is why they ultimately lost out on the playoffs. Baron doesnt have a big man like Chandler to throw oops to every other play. Paul capitalizes on his ability to just throw the ball down low to West (All Star) and Chandler (Most Improved Player Candidate) and know that he will most likely get the assist...Baron doesnt because the Warriors only use one post player in their offense. Give Baron Davis a good big man and i guarantee you that he along with Paul would be mentioned as the two best PGs in the game.The Warriors style of play isn't centered towards defense which is why the stats of players on the Warriors look a lot better than the actual players are. Stephen Jackson, Monta Ellis, and Baron Davis wouldn't put up anywhere near the numbers the do on any other team except Golden State
Chandler and West are good players, but the reason they're though of as so good is because of Paul. Look at how both of their numbers took a huge jump once they became teammates with Paul. For West it was Paul's rookie year where he increased his points from 6 to 17 in one season and his FG% from 43% to 51%. His numbers have gone up every year since Paul has been in the league. For Chandler it was when he came from Chicago Paul's second year in the league. Chandler increased his points from 5 to 9 and his FG% from 56% to 62%
WIthout Chris Paul, Chandler and West would be nothing more than good role players. As evidence look at their stats in the games CP3 missed the past two seasons. Since the beginning of the 2007 season, Chris Paul has missed 20 games to injury. Here are Chandler and West's splits with and without Paul in the lineup:
Chandler with Paul: 10.9 ppg, 62.6 FG%, 12.3 rpg
Chandler without Paul: 9.1 ppg, 60.4 FG%, 10.3 rpg
West with Paul: 20.0 ppg, 48.4 FG%, 8.6 rpg
West without Paul: 15.7 ppg, 42.4 FG%, 8.1 rpg
|
