Earvin "Magic" Johnson and Chris "CP3" Paul are two of the most accomplished players of All-time and both have rightfully been selected to the NBA's Top 75 player list. In addition, both have been considered 'point gods', which is definitely high praise.
The question posed in this post is not who is better, or who is the greater winner because the answers will only be opinions and subjective. On the other hand, when comparing who was a better ball handler then much more objectivity can be used. Granted, one can say that CP3 easily has a better 'handle' than Magic, and be correct, but that cannot be proven.
On the other hand, the number of turnovers per game each legend has committed can be easily computed. In addition, comparisons between assists and turnovers (assist/turnover ratio) can be calculated easily as well. It is easy to say that a player is a great ball handler if they can dazzle and distribute assists like these perennial All-stars. Alteenately, it would be foolish to say that one is the better ballhandler if they turn the ball over much more than the other. For example, no one considers Russell Westbrook an excellent ball handler because he is also a turnover machine. Enough said.
Therefore, a brief analysis of Magic's and CP3's key ball handling statistics should reveal who was the better ball handler of these two point gods.
MAGIC JOHNSON
Assists Per Game - 11.2
Turnovers Per Game - 3.9
Assist/Turnover Ratio - 2.87/1
CHRIS PAUL
Assists Per Game - 9.5
Turnovers Per Game - 2.4
Assist/Turnover Ratio - 3.95/1
For the record, I did not know the correct answer to this post until I just did the math. I also did not know that there would be such a big difference. I knew that Magic Johnson was the All-time per game assist leader, but I did not know that he also averaged a horrendous 3.9 turnovers per game. Players that turn it over 4.0 or more times per game are like 'secret agents' for the other team. Magic had over 4.0 turnovers per game during five seperate seasons with a high of 4.6.
In comparison, Chris Paul averages 2.4 turnovers per game, and he has never averaged over 3.0 turnovers per game in his career.. This is outstanding and players that commit under 2.0 turnovers per game are elite and rare. Paul's high assist total along with his low turnover rate, show that CP3 is a better ball handler than Magic Johnson. There are skills and attributes that Magic Johnson has over Chris Paul. Ball handling is just not one of them.
* In Basketball G.O.A.T the Top 30 players of every position (150 total) have been uncovered with the use of the Player Valuation Numeric. Each player was evaluated accurately and objectively and the NBA got their Top 75 WRONG!!!
Granted all of their picks are in the book, and Top 30 at their positions. On the other hand, there were a few deserving players that were denied their due respect. For more information click the link below.
No comments:
Post a Comment