Stephen Curry: The NBA’s Best Point Guard?

The modern day NBA features a great embarrassment of riches at the point guard spot. From established names like Chris Paul and Tony Parker, to those just about to enter their athletic prime like Russell Westbrook, Stephen Curry, and Kyrie Irving; the debate on who the league’€™s best point guard is one that has been a watercooler discussion topic that never seems to end.

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Earlier in the offseason, we asked our own staff who they thought the best point guard was in the league, and where the Golden State Warriors’ own Stephen Curry stood in the rankings. Everyone seemed to pick Chris Paul as the best point guard in the league, while Curry ranked as high as second and as low as fourth to some.

But after the season he’€™s having, has Curry surpassed Paul as the best point guard in the league?

March 31, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) moves the ball against Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) and forward Blake Griffin (32) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

On offense, the two play the same roles, but with a twist. Curry averages more field goal attempts, while Paul is more focused with creating for his teammates. This isn’t a knock on Curry â€“ when you have a shooter capable of shooting 51.4 percent from behind the arc (since the All-Star Break), you don’t want to hold his field goal attempts back.

While he may not have CP3’s passing vision, Curry is a very accomplished passer in his own right. The Warriors may not be “€œLob City”€ 2.0, but Curry’s flashy behind-the-back passes have been a staple in his highlight reel. He currently averages 7.8 assists per game, but that number is increased to 8.6 when measured by his per-36 minutes numbers.

Both guards are capable attackers, and frequently drive to the hoop for easy baskets. But, Curry attempts more shots at the basket (316 attempts) than Paul (187 attempts), and finishes at a better rate (63.6 percent vs 54.5 percent). Both have incredible ball-handling skills, and are capable of dropping defenders at a moment’s notice -€“ just ask Chris Paul after last night.

However, on the defensive end, CP3 may have the slight edge. Curry has improved leaps and bounds with his defense, but isn’€™t quite the defensive stalwart that Paul is. A four-time NBA All-Defensive First Team guard, Paul is known for his incredible defensive skills, and for being a pest on the defensive end. Meanwhile, Curry has gotten better at navigating screens, staying ahead of his opponent, but can still be taken advantage of at times by quicker guards.

Curry’s physical limitations may always hold him back on the defensive end, but for this season, there’€™s not much more you can ask from him defensively.