NBA: Who the 10 best players in NBA 2K17 should be

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April 12, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) moves the ball against Memphis Grizzlies guard Jordan Farmar (4) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

4th place – Chris Paul

This may bother some people, just as it may have for those who read the Sports Illustrated Top 100 for 2016-17 and saw Chris Paul placed at 4th on their list, too. Ahead of Defensive Player of the Year Kawhi Leonard and the triple-double man himself, Russell Westbrook, Paul being this high may surprise some.

But there are several reasons why.

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For a start, Paul is easily the superior defender compared to Westbrook. Using his intelligence, knack of breaking up passing lanes, deceptive strength and intensity to make up for not having incredible explosiveness, Paul made his sixth All-Defensive First Team last season. Meanwhile, Westbrook loses position far more often and gambles for steals and big plays, which doesn’t pay off with the effectiveness or consistency of Paul.

Then there’s the simple matter of running an offense. Paul may not have Westbrook’s gaudy basic per game statistics, but there’s no way to question that Paul is a more reliable option running the point.

While he may differ from the ability that Westbrook has to dominate a game with such ferocious explosiveness, Paul takes better care of the ball, takes better shots, finds his players open looks when necessary, and runs an offense with more clinical poise than frenetic aggression.

That same offensive prowess, on a level we’ve only seen a handful of times before through NBA history, also places him ahead of Leonard.

Even though players may find it easier to dominate in 2K17 by leaning on Westbrook’s athletic gifts and superior rebounding, Paul is the better two-way player. His rating should reflect that, rather than place him at 91 overall below Russ’ 93 rating.

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