Scoring Vs. Making Plays: Why Kyrie Can’t Copy CP3’s Formula for Success

 

Scoring Vs. Making Plays: Why Kyrie Can’t Copy CP3’s Formula for Success

 

Jason Timpf, an NBA analyst, recently offered his thoughts on the Chris Paul vs. Kyrie Irving argument on “Hoops Tonight.”

 

There has been much speculation in recent weeks that two of the greatest point guards in NBA history—Paul and Irving—would meet in a legendary showdown.

 

Because his luggage is so much deeper than CP3’s, Kai was chosen by several. On the other hand, others went with Paul on the grounds that he was the superior floor general.

However, Timpf elaborated on the main distinction between both games by going beyond merely comparing their reputations.

 

Kyrie Irving is a scorer and one of the very best to do it. But Chris Paul is a legitimate offensive engine. I think you sort of see this issue when you look at years like when Kyrie was trying to lead the Boston Celtics, which, in retrospect, was why he left Cleveland. He kind of wanted an opportunity to lead his own team,” said Timpf.

Kai doesn’t generate enough offense for a team

Irving is one of the best-scoring point guards in the NBA. With a career scoring average of 23.4 points per game, Kai has averaged at least 20 points per game in 13 consecutive seasons, including 25.5 points per game in two seasons with his current team, the Dallas Mavericks.

 

However, as Timpf pointed out, Irving struggled to find success when he left LeBron and the Cavs to have his own team in Boston. Although he can easily score for himself, he doesn’t create enough scoring opportunities for his teammates.

“The aim of the game isn’t to generate 30 points on 60 percent true shooting for yourself,” he added. “You’ve got to generate. You’re taking 80, 90 shots per game as a team, and you’re going to be on the floor for, call it 80 percent of that. So, you’re gonna have to generate for your team 60 to 70 shots. Maybe all in points and assists, but in advantage creation.”

 

Paul made every team he played for better

But while Irving struggled to improve the Celtics during his tenure there, Paul has been a difference makers everywhere he’s played. During CP3’s rookie year, the Hornets won 20 more games than the previous season. When he moved to the Clippers, L.A. went from a .390 team to a .606 contender.

His first year in Houston saw the Rockets win 65 games, 10 more than the previous season. OKC had a .611 winning percentage in Paul’s first year there, after they were .598 the year before. The Suns won 17 more games with Paul in his maiden campaign in the Valley, and even the Golden State Warriors won two more games after adding the “Point god.” Last season, the Spurs won 34 games with CP3, after they only had 22 wins.

While it’s true that it takes more than one player to win games, a team needs that facilitator to even put them in a position to win. That’s what Paul is.

 

He’s like the maestro of an orchestra. Kyrie is good as a point guard, but Timpf is right that he isn’t on the same level, at least in that department.