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LA Clippers player grades for first 30 games of 2016-17 NBA season

By Tom West

Dec 14, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; LA Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) and teammates get pumped up before the game against the Orlando Magic during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 14, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; LA Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) and teammates get pumped up before the game against the Orlando Magic during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 16, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; LA Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) dribbles the ball up court during the first half against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 16, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; LA Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) dribbles the ball up court during the first half against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Chris Paul: A+

Now Chris Paul is hurt. His LA Clippers’ bench fought on without him for their 106-101 win against the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday, but right after losing Griffin the Clippers now have the worry of whether Paul (listed as day-to-day) will miss much time after straining a hamstring.

Let’s not let that concern cloud over the rest of his season, though. Which, despite a few weaker performances among the Clippers’ disappointing losses with a few extra turnovers, has been exceptional.

His play has naturally cooled off slightly from an unbelievable start, but he’s still averaging 17.6 points, 9.6 assists, 5.2 rebounds and 2.2 steals per game, also shooting a career-high 40.4 percent from three with a 27.1 PER, the third best mark of his career.

Then, as you’ll all know, there was his 20-20 game against the New Orleans Pelicans on December 10th. Paul became the first player in NBA history to record 20 points, 20 assists and ZERO turnovers. If that’s not a breathtaking combination of playmaking and efficiency, nothing is.

There isn’t much else to say about Paul if you’ve been watching him play. He’s still held perfect control of the Clippers’ offense, and as much as I’d like to see Griffin get more responsibility and be staggered with the second unit, Paul helps the team score 11.1 more points per 100 possessions when he’s on the floor.

He’s totally poised and has been shooting better than ever, continuing to put on a masterclass of Point God skills while providing typically great defense. There were some slips in the middle of the first 30 games, but throughout almost the entire season so far, Paul has deserved an A+.

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