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LA Clippers’ Guards Chris Paul and Jamal Crawford Named Top Playmakers

By Paul Tooke

Jan 18, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) and guard Jamal Crawford (11) celebrate during an NBA basketball game against the Houston Rockets at Staples Center. The Clippers defeated the Rockers 140-132 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 18, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) and guard Jamal Crawford (11) celebrate during an NBA basketball game against the Houston Rockets at Staples Center. The Clippers defeated the Rockers 140-132 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Although Lebron James and his Cleveland Cavaliers think they need a playmaker, the LA Clippers sure don’t. Bleacher Report Named both Chris Paul and Jamal Crawford top playmakers in the league.

Bleacher Report released another NBA Metrics 101 article, in which they took a look at the top “playmakers” in the league. Chris Paul and
Jamal Crawford both appeared in this piece for their respective positions.

CP3

Bleacher Report reports that Chris Paul has 14.75 unassisted points and 21.81 points created by an assist per game.

We all know Chris Paul is the “Point God”. We just really appreciate Bleacher Report taking the time to prove it in their article. In an NBA era where scoring point guards such as Isaiah Thomas, Russel Westbrook, Damian Lillard, and James Harden hog the spotlight, Chris Paul shows us that setting up teammates for baskets is more effective than taking thirty shots a game. Paul has the ability to run a more smooth and sound offense than any other player in the league.

Although Paul has missed 17 games so far this season, and is not set to return from his thumb injury until late February or early March, the guys over at Bleacher Report still feel like he is hands-down the top playmaking point guard in the NBA this season. His 20 point 20 assist 0 turnover game against the Pelicans in December probably had some influence on their decision to rank him number one.

JCrossover

Bleacher Report reports that Jamal Crawford has 8.49 unassisted points and 7.02 points created by an assist per game.

Seeing Jamal Crawford listed as a playmaker is surprising. The 36-year old veteran is a shot creator with ball-handling straight out of EA’s classic video game “NBA Street”. He is also one of the most controversial players on the team. How is he the number three playmaker for his position in the league?

Bleacher Report gave this reasoning:

"He might not fit the traditional “playmaker” mold, as Crawford rarely looks for other members of the Los Angeles Clippers, while he’s always seeking scoring opportunities. But he makes plays through his individual shooting prowess, which can be just as valuable."

His unpredictability and experience give him the ability to break down any team’s defense. His top speed and ball control demands his defender to focus on him, and whoever is chosen to guard him is set to have a long night ahead of them. When Jamal is finished disrupting the opponents’ defense, he can make plays for the rest of the team, who are now more open for shots.

Talented playmakers are hard to come by in today’s NBA. We are thrilled to have two great ones on the Clippers.

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