So much is being made about this battle within the battle – comparing third-year point guards Deron Williams and Chris Paul – that maybe we should slow down a little on both guys and let this play out.
It was easy to get excited about Williams coming into this season. He was spectacular as last season progressed, while Paul battled ankle problems a good portion of the season – validating the decision by the Utah Jazz select Williams third and leave Paul for the New Orleans at No. 4 in the 2005 draft.
After all, Williams averaged 29.5 points and 9.3 assists in his first four Western Conference finals games against the Spurs last season before tiring in Game 5 as the Jazz were eliminated. And he started the same way this season, but his recent numbers have been very curious. He’s averaged 14.8 points and 9.0 assists in the past five game while the Jazz are tumbling in the midst of having lost seven of eight. In the previous five, Williams was averaging 31.6 points and 8.8 assists.
Meanwhile, Paul has been the model of consistency over the last 10 games averaging 27.4 points and 8.6 assists while the Hornets have split those games. Essentially, this tells us it is just way too early to make any big-picture assessment on either player or team. The Jazz appear to be a strong team for the long run because Williams has All-Star Carlos Boozer as a sidekick, while Paul’s help has come from a variety of sources, none of whom are as prolific as Boozer to remove some of the heat.
But we are hungry for the fresh faces from teams other than ones we’ve been consumed with since the turn of the century. The Jazz and the Hornets – Williams and Paul – are worthy of our focus. But they’ve still got a lot to prove.
Speaking of familiar teams, the Suns and Spurs matched up Monday night in a tight one, and the Suns became the first team to beat the Spurs at home in a 100-95 win. It was only the second game back for Spurs star Tim Duncan, who had missed two weeks with an ankle sprain, but he still had a monster game with 36 points and 17 rebounds. He even made it tough on Amare Stoudemire, who had the sub-par numbers of 17 points and 6 rebounds. And even with Tony Parker out for the Spurs with an ankle problem of his own, the Spurs held Steve Nash in check for the most part with just 10 points and 10 assists against the less-than-imposing Jacque Vaughn.
More interesting is the guy who had the clutch 22 points for the Suns – one ankle-challenged Grant Hill. It’s so easy to forget the Suns got him, and how badly he wants to win a title at the age of 35, but the reality is he’s averaging 15.9 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.6 assists and has failed to reach double-figures in scoring only twice this season. With so much hand-wringing going on lately in the Valley of the Sun over the lack of toughness inside and defense, they are 18-7 and trail the Spurs by just a half-game for the best record in the West.
And as for the lack of toughness inside and defense, what else is new? They haven’t had it the past three seasons as they’ve gotten closer and closer to winning the West. And while the 6-8 Hill is another finesse player, he has special qualities that could supersede the five ankle surgeries in four years that nearly crippled him. It’s way too soon to give up on Hill or the Suns, whose new general manager Steve Kerr is itching to put the final piece of the puzzle together. (How would the Pacers’ Jermaine O’Neal fit in a three-way deal with the Knicks?)
While we’ve brought up the Pacers, how about the game Mike Dunleavy put together at Madison Square Garden Monday night – a career-high 36 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists in a 27-point blowout of the Knicks. It’s particularly impressive considering he had just 6 points, 4 assists and 1 rebound at Miami in a tight win on Saturday. Just as people are about to write off Dunleavy, this is easily his best season. At 27, it is about time he matured enough to consistently produce on a nightly basis because he is so gifted in myriad ways. With 22 points in the third quarter alone, he was just the latest opposing player to incite the caustic MSG crowd into taunting their once-beloved Knicks.
For the first time in this nightmarish season, Knicks coach and president Isiah Thomas blasted the heart and pride of his team, and it came upon the return of mercurial point guard Stephon Marbury, who had been away from the team following the death of his father. The only real issue right now is when owner Jim Dolan finally concedes this team has quit on Thomas. Everybody else knows they have. He’s just being the stubborn cowboy he’s always been, and you would think since he loves the Knicks so much he’d realize they have no chance to win as long as Thomas is running the team. Then again, who can be surprised considering Dolan is the one that got them into this mess in the first place.
We can’t help but wonder about the way suspensions are being meted out these days. Atlanta forward Al Horford’s head shot on T.J. Ford putting in question the rest of Raptors point guard’s career, while the errant elbow of Nuggets forward Kenyon Martin will require a two-month recovery period for the shattered left eye socket of Hornets forward Melvin Ely. Typically, the punishment is based on intent, and it is obvious neither Horford nor Martin meant to cause some damage. Horford, knowing Ford already has a serious issue with narrowing of the spinal column, spent much of the night at the hospital with Ford. And Martin immediately attended to Ely with apologies.
But the movements that caused the injuries were purposeful. And once again, how do these guys get the same one-game slap as Amare Stoudemire and Boris Diaw for getting up off the bench in last year’s playoffs? Causing possible career-ending injury compared to marginally breaking a rule? You make the call.
It’s hard to fathom that Hawks forward Shelden Williams was the victim of carjacking outside a barber shop over the weekend, but here we go again. Has it gotten to the point that all professional athletes and entertainers must have bodyguards?
The Blazers extended their winning streak to eight games for the first time in five years, and at 13-12 are now just a 1.5 games behind the first-place Nuggets in the Northwest Division … really. Not only have they done this after losing top pick Greg Oden to knee surgery, but having dealt leading scorer and rebounder Zach Randolph for marginal Channing Frye, who now is making an impact. Besides, LaMarcus Aldridge hasn’t even played the past five games with plantar fasciitis. With Brandon Roy flourishing, Travis Outlaw coming of age, and the defense toughening every night, it’s obvious that general manager Kevin Pritchard has succeeded in building a team that perfectly suits the tough, defensive-oriented style of coach Nate McMillan.
The Dallas Mavericks are beginning to gain steam, and struggling star Dirk Nowitzki had a breakout game with 31 points and 11 rebounds, as the Mavs edged the Magic by three. It’s the first time in three weeks Dirk has had at least 20 points in two games in a row, as the Mavs now have won five of six. Watch out, Spurs … here they come again.
Williams and Paul? How about looking at a rising star in Brandon Roy? He's not the Blazers starting point guard, but his numbers, leadership and defensive poise would certainly make him comparable to the other two, don't you think?
Roy's numbers are great, and I've been continuously paying homage to the Blazers and him. But this blog was about these two young point guards inexorably linked not only because of their positions and numbers, but because they were drafted 3-4 in the 2005 draft. Thanks for the note.
I'll tell you who is and will be in better for his career: Deron Williams for sure. He has more size and strenght and is more durable. Williams will take and make big shots and can take games over and really if he wanted to score 30 per night he could. Williams is a better shooter and in their last match up he crossed up Paul about 4 times and blew right by him, I thought Paul's defense is very sub par. Williams is an under rated defender I have watched Iverson try cross over after cross over on him and he is there step for step. I have nba pass and I love both these point guards, and seriously watch about every Hornet's game and Jazz game even if I have to record them. I don't really have a favorite team, just a fan of the game, the Suns maybe would be my team I guess. I love to watch these two play but D-Will is without a doubt the BETTER pg and player of the two. The Jazz are on a losing streak but not on D-Wills acct. they have horrendous defense as a team. About Brandon Roy, he is a player he is good and we will have to see how he pans out, I think in 2 years Williams will be the best pg in the league.
Hey Mike, you showed a lot of patience with my fellow Blazer fan when he brought up the absence of Roy in your 'Who is better Paul or Williams?' article. To try to inject Roy into an article clearly devoted to two players linked by drafting year's, position, potential, etc., is Homerism on a level not worthy of patience.
Just letting you know that not all us Blazer fanatics feel we deserve more press for their recent great play. I am thrilled about the streak, but I know this young team has a rocky road ahead and cannot be expected to continue this level of play all year.
However, you cannot take away a single bit of potential exhibited by this young team. It is obvious they are buying into Nate's philosophy of team play. And, it is even more obvious that this team is filled to the brim with young talent capable of maturing into something very special.
Thank you Mike. Thank you for the press and positive spin on our beloved Blazers.
Last edited by lancemick on December 18th at 11:59 AM.
I have to admit that I have seen a lot more of Williams play than I have of Pual. Like last years playoffs, (oh, yeah, Paul was at home watching just like me). Williams ability to lead his team as the point guard to success into the playoffs all the way to the western finals is key to showing he is the best of the two. Point Guards should be the lead on offense each time down the court, and we saw Williams do this time and time again, (and I also saw how poorly the Jazz do without him on the court). Not to mention his crossover-dribble-drive that seems to enable him to score at will any time he wants. I agree his defense is underrated too. But, as long as his team keeps up their success, and Pauls falls short, is there really any doubt???
as always dun expect much more from Kahn than his superficial analysis. seriously what kind a of an insightful analysis did u give in this article other than comparing numbers?? who cant look at the numbers and realize the two players are similar?? I personally would expect any decent article to cover specifically each player's strengths and weaknesses on both ends of the court, which I suppose is beyond your ability. number crunching like a statistician cannot replace fundamental understanding of basketball and certainly doesn't make you an expert. if you can be a sports writer, so can every one.
Last edited by n00bholocaust on December 18th at 2:25 PM.
paul is more "marketable" and thats the only reason why this is even a comparison. its all about wins and championships and although neither have a ring yet, williams has at least tasted some playoff success. plus that crossover is ridiculous. no disrespect to paul but as far as who's the better point guard, its williams. besides 27 ppg doesnt sound like a point guard to me. you want real point guard stats look no furthur than the immortal steve nash.
Mr. Kahn what about Matt Barnes' punk foul on Ronny Turiaf in last Friday's game against the Lakers. That was a cheap shot and anyone who saw it knows that. He should have been suspended for that and you're dead on when the league isn't consistent. The Kobe suspensions and Suns suspensions weren't threatening and they are dealt with quickly by the league office, and that's double-standard! Plus, Golden State are a bunch of punks because when they get handled like last year against Utah in the playoffs they resort to violence. Baron, Barnes, Jackson were the culprits in that series. It's time that some writer at least acknowledge that. I will say though that your colleague Charlie Rosen said that in one of his articles last postseason. It's time someone calls them out. When are career endangering fouls gonna get the just suspensions? David Stern and Stu Jackson shame on both of you!
I must say I AM impressed that Mike actually commented on his own blog. First I've seen it and it shows some class. As to the point guard issue at hand, this is not the first time Mr. Kahn has compared these two guards. At first (in the prior article) it seemed he was giving most of the accolades to Williams, but I believe this article is closer to home.
Williams does seem to have an advantage when it comes to the "All-Star" equation (i.e. Kirilenko AND All-Star soon to be, Boozer), while Paul is playing with supposed "role players". On paper Paul seems to be closer to a fusion of both Nash & Kidd, as he creates, passes, rebounds AND scores. Williams is the beneficiary of a pick and roll system that has been the mainstay of the Jazz for years.
Let's not forget the coaches as well.
Sloane definitely seems to have his new Stockton and Malone, and to his credit has Williams and Boozer running it effectively. Meanwhile, Scott is continuing what he started when he was the head coach of the Nets. Instilling a working AND winning attitude from a group of players that on paper SHOULD be overwhelmed by most teams throughout the year.
Deron Williams has more of a scorer's mentality, although he does average well over 8 apg in large part due to having Boozer on his team. You put Williams on a losing team with no All-Stars and he'd be lucky to average 6 assists. Williams is a better three-point shooter than Paul, but CP3's outside shot will eventually improve as he gets older.
Which is why I like Chris Paul better than Deron Williams. Chris can penetrate and dish like no other and his ability to see the floor and orchestrate an attack is second only to Steve Nash. And above all, Chris Paul has the makeup of a leader, someone who not only leads by example but is vocal as well. I see more of the intangibles with Paul than I do with Deron.
And defense? I believe CP3 averages more steals than DW8.
Finally, Chris Paul is Isiah Thomas to Deron William's Derek Harper (The Dallas Mavs version).
HOOPSLUVR: "Williams is a better shooter and in their last match up he crossed up Paul about 4 times and blew right by him, I thought Paul's defense is very sub par. Williams is an under rated defender I have watched Iverson try cross over after cross over on him and he is there step for step."
Greatness on defense is not predicated by one's ability to keep someone from crossing you over. AI crossed over MJ and scored on him numerous times. Are you willing to say that MJ is not a great defender?
A great defender is a player who understands team defense and makes other players better on the defensive end. How do you do this? Unrelenting intensity, communication w/ teammates on the floor, and the innate ability to anticipate passing lanes. Deron Williams has neither of these qualities yet. He has not yet solidified his position on the defensive end.
Why do you think Jerry Sloan has complained of late that his Jazz squad STINKS on defense? Why is it that the Utah can't win on the road? If Williams is as good on D as you think he is, then why isn't he taking the lead and setting an example for his teammates? You need to watch and analyze more basketball my friend.
Hey dumb a ss JDIZZLE the Jazz defensive struggles is from team defense. You want Williams to defend 5 guys? He is not a lock down defender but he is better than Paul at defense that is all I said dip sh i t.
On top of that JDIZZLE you ever played any ball before? I wasn't a pro but I did play 3 years at Washington State University. I guess I know nothing about the game.
HOOPSLUVR: Damn... did I get under your skin that much? You're hilarious man. How old are you? Twelve?
Get a grip on yourself before you beat your wife and kids.
What happened, did you lose your day job? Try addressing my points first before you talk smack. Let's start with the easiest question... if AI crosses over MJ and scores on him, does that mean that Jordan is not a great defender? And if Williams is there step for step against Iverson, then why can't Deron d-up Kobe like Kobe swats Williams' dunk attempt right back in his face (remember that?)
"On top of that JDIZZLE you ever played any ball before? I wasn't a pro but I did play 3 years at Washington State University. I guess I know nothing about the game."
I guess you're right buddy. That's why you never made pro. You don't play defense. I can already tell.
And as far as you jumping to conclusions about my knowledge of the game, keep on assuming about me. I know people and sports agents in this league. And the NFL, UCLA, major league baseball, martial arts for that matter. But that's about all you're going to find out about me.
OK, maybe I will tell you that I played against Tayshaun Prince, Tommie Prince, Jacque Vaughn, Kenny Brunner, Charles O'Bannon, Avondre Jones, Schea Cotton, to name a few.
Now go on look in the mirror and ask yourself why you never played pro. And get a clue and analyze what I said before you talk nonsense.
You are not on my level.
Last edited by J-DIZZLE on December 18th at 9:08 PM.
Hi Mike - Thanks for replying on the blog. Actually, I wasn't looking for additional kudos for the Blazers contrary to another post referencing some arcane Homerism nonsense. I was actually just curious on your observations, however, as we just had the chance to see Brandon play against Williams twice and C.Paul all within the past 7 days. It seemed like a good time for a progress report on these young PGs. Thanks.
HOOPSLUVR: So the Jazz struggle from team defense, but not due to any flaw in Williams' D? Yeah, you're right, Williams is cursed to be surrounded by the incompetence of Kirilenko and Boozer... if only there were more Derons on the floor. And if you are trying to tell me that AI does not cross over Deron then pass the grass this way buddy. Deron does not have the atheticisim to keep his man from blowing by him, and it is only a matter of time before his size advantage is a disadvantage.
J-DIZZLE is right on in this one. While Williams and Paul have their individual strengths and much unrealized potential, I don't think you can give the defensive nod to Williams. Paul is a much better team defender (gets steals and closes pasing lanes), and until the NBA transitions to 1-on-1 that is all that matters. He is faster and stronger than Williams, anticipates passing lanes better and plays with more energy. Paul has the heart and mind that will take him beyond Williams and T-Parker to be an elite PG on any team. Williams is the statistical beneficiary from a pick-and-roll system that many other guys would similarly flourish in.
"Williams is the statistical beneficiary from a pick-and-roll system that many other guys would similarly flourish in." Exactly see Stockton and Malone
TOO SOON TOO TELL ?????????????????????????????????r>
Last week Kahn was all over Williams rear with kisses, calling him the heir to Nash and Kidd.
Now he is backtracking and saying it was premature. WELL IT WAS !!!!!!!!!! AND INACCURATE !!
The intangibles are more important than the on paper statistics.
Even on paper, Tony Parker is still career statistics ahead of Kidd, Nash, or Williams, AND has 3 NBA Championships and a NBA Championship Finals MVP Award to show for his contribution as a PG.
Of course Tim Duncan is the greatest, BUT his 36 point 17 rebounds were not quite enough to get by the Suns when the Spurs were without Tony Parker.
On the other hand, the Spurs with Ginobili and Parker did the job on the Mavs. and the Jazz without Duncan (and Parker was playing hurt).
So to those who downplay the contribution of Parker because he plays with Duncan and Ginobili, I say take your head out of the sand (or wherever else you keep it). Kobe and LeBron are evidence enough that a great player can not win Championships by themselves (and Shaq for that matter). Tony Parker at PG is a key part of the Spurs success just as are Duncan, Ginobili, and Bowen, along with the entire supporting cast.
Tony Parker deserves credit for all that he provides as the #1 PG in the NBA today.
The PROOF is on the fingers and in the trophy case.
