Chris Paul - Midrange Mastery

Chris Paul’s in-between game might be the best in the NBA. Monster defense, precision passing, range, the ability to get to anywhere he wants on the floor AND a pristine pull-up jumper make him the most complete point guard we have in today’s league. Chris’ creativity causes chaos for defenses. What’s even more terrifying is he seems effortlessly effective everywhere on the court. He’s mastered the midrange. Why in an age where everything should either be a three pointer or a shot in the paint would Paul’s pull-up be valued? Simply put, a three pointer is far and the paint is normally packed, so when you have the playmaking proficiency to pick your spots, a lot of the time, it’s easier to get a shot when defenses chase you off the perimeter and sag to protect the interior. Everyone knows a Chris Paul - insert anyone here pick and roll is a nightmare for the other team. It’s pick your poison. You don’t want to be slaughtered by surgical passes. You certainly don’t want one an all-time great shot creator getting in close. You’ll live with a contested two, but that’s where CP will absolutely burn you. He’s marvelous at this shot and, while it’s the shot you’d rather give up, his efficiency will be your downfall. CP3 is so great that he’ll even beat you with the shot you want him to take. The whole point of this is to say; to all the young players out there, work on that in-between game. It could be the thing that will make you special. If you work on everything, you ensure you have no weaknesses. Having no weaknesses can make up for a great deal of things, even a diminutive stature (by NBA standards). Chris is living proof. Here's the CP defense video I made a little while back:    • Chris Paul - Lockdown II