NBA Draft Throwback: 5 most valuable picks since 2000

#4 Chris Paul – Charlotte Hornets, 2004

Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul.

Drafted number 4 overall in the 2006 NBA Draft by the New Orleans Hornets (now Pelicans), Chris Paul is probably the purest point guards you’ll see in the league today. He has an efficient mid-range jumper who can shoot the odd three-pointer to keep the defense guessing. One of the best, if not the best in the league at finishing at the rim whether it’s with floaters or tear drops Paul always has the alpha in his team. Despite all that, his biggest talent or expertise that he provides to his team is his passing.

His court vision is so impeccable that it could be compared to the likes of greats like John Stockton and Magic Johnson. Whether it’s coming off a screen or running a fast break, Paul is always thinking pass first. He is one of the best point guards at making shots easier for his teammates and handing open teammates the ball exactly when they should have it. Barring his rookie season (7.8 APG, 6th in league), Paul has been in the top 5 of assists per game in the league for 10 consecutive seasons.

If his court vision is flawless, his basketball IQ is just phenomenal. In just a couple of seconds, he can read what the defense intends to do and how he can counter attack their strategy. He perfectly balances the art of scoring and assisting as a point guard. If it wasn’t for his on-point alley-oops, there would never be any Lob City in Clipperland.

Other than the basketball aspects of his personality, Paul is also known to be among the most fiercest and smartest competitors in the league. He is always looking to trap opponents into positions where they would have conceded a foul. The 2013 All-Star Game MVP is also very famously and popularly known to be among the best leaders the game has ever seen.