The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Sixers: Top 5 free agents in the Southwest Division

By Christopher Kline

HOUSTON, TX - MAY 2: Trevor Ariza #1 of the Houston Rockets, Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets, James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets, and Clint Capela #15 of the Houston Rockets look on during the game against the Utah Jazz in Game Two of Round Two of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 2, 2018 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - MAY 2: Trevor Ariza #1 of the Houston Rockets, Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets, James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets, and Clint Capela #15 of the Houston Rockets look on during the game against the Utah Jazz in Game Two of Round Two of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 2, 2018 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

No. 1: Chris Paul, Houston Rockets

Outside of Stephen Curry, Paul might be the best point guard in the NBA. He was an integral part of the Rockets’ near-win over the Warriors in the Western Conference Finals, leading them to a 3-2 series lead. If it weren’t for a hamstring injury, he might have a ring.

Strengths

Paul has always epitomized the point guard position — somebody who analysts use as an example when describing the role and skill set of traditional lead guards. His playmaking ability is among the most impressive individual attributes in the league, and Houston’s offense maximized it.

Accompanied by Harden, Paul was a killer in pick-and-roll actions last season. His ability to hit the roll man, find open shooters across court or drill pull-ups at three levels makes defending him a difficult task.

Few players can make the variety of passes that Paul can, while his isolation scoring provided a major lift to the Rockets’ previously one-dimiensial offense. They needed somebody outside of Harden who can create shots when threes aren’t falling.

That, more than anything else, is why the Rockets’ fell short against Golden State. They just didn’t have enough to get over the hump once shots starting clanking off the back rim in Games 6 and 7.

Weaknesses

Paul doesn’t have any glaring weaknesses. He’s an elite passer, can score at all three levels, and is one of the best defensive point guards in the league. Perhaps the only thing you can point to is his size. At 6-foot, he lacks the versatility that bigger guards possess.

With that said, he held his own against the Warriors’ barrage of switches and mismatches, so it isn’t a huge issue. He’s a net positive on both sides of the ball.

Fit

The Sixers need another ball-handler who can defend at the point of attack and take pressure off Simmons. Enter Paul, one of the best point guards in the league and somebody whose presence could open up new opportunities for Embiid in the post.

Next: Top 5 free agents in the Northwest Division

He doesn’t necessarily fit the Sixers’ timeline at 34 years old, but neither does LeBron. If Paul had any interest in joining the Sixers, they’d be wise to jump on the opportunity. That’s the thing, though — he’s re-signing in Houston. Don’t get your hopes up.