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When Chris Paul evaluates a player, he is not measuring highlight reels. He is measuring habits. The longtime point guard has built his reputation on control, accountability and an understanding of what sustains winning basketball.
So when the conversation turned to choosing between two of the most dominant guards from the 2018 draft class, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luka Doncic, Paul did not center the debate on scoring averages or viral moments.
"I think that year that we played together, he also started to see that defense matters. You ain't got to be a lockdown defender or whatnot, but when you are playing defense, the teammates want to see the stars are actually trying," Paul said during the 7PM in Brooklyn show hosted by Carmelo Anthony.
"Now, Steph, he defends up. I got a lot of respect for Steph, Shai, and all these guys who at least try on the defensive end. That's part of it, and the teammates love to see it."
The broader debate exists because both players are extraordinary offensive forces. Gilgeous-Alexander and Doncic each operate as primary engines for their teams. Both are oversized guards who manipulate pace, exploit mismatches and dictate possessions late in games.
A standard beyond scoring
Gilgeous-Alexander's resume includes a championship, an MVP and a Finals MVP. Doncic remains widely regarded as one of the league's premier talents, but the hardware comparison currently tilts toward Oklahoma City's guard.
For Paul, though, accolades are not the central point. What separates players in his mind is visible commitment, particularly when the ball is not in their hands.
He did not demand perfection. He did not call for lockdown defense. He emphasized effort.
"You ain't got to be a lockdown defender," he said, but teammates recognize when a star competes on that end. That willingness to engage defensively becomes part of leadership.
Doncic's offensive impact is unquestioned. His scoring ability, vision and shot creation place him among the elite. The criticism he faces tends to orbit around defensive consistency - an area where Gilgeous-Alexander is viewed as more active and disruptive.