Chris Paul, a recently retired NBA star with a Hall of Fame-caliber career, shared his assessment of the defensive skills of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luka Doncic during a recent podcast. Paul, who played alongside Gilgeous-Alexander in the 2019-20 season with the Oklahoma City Thunder and faced Doncic multiple times, expressed a clear preference for Gilgeous-Alexander’s defensive mindset.
On the 7 PM in Brooklyn podcast, Paul explained his choice when asked which point guard he would select:
“Shai (Gilgeous-Alexander). … 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 you’re playing defense for your team, your teammates just want to see that the stars actually try on defense.”
This perspective illustrates Paul’s emphasis on consistent defensive effort rather than relying solely on natural defensive ability.
Impact of Chris Paul on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Defensive Growth
During his only season with the Thunder, Chris Paul left a marked influence on Gilgeous-Alexander, helping the young guard grasp the importance of defense. That OKC team finished seventh in defensive rating, a crucial element that propelled them into the playoffs. Paul’s reputation as a defensive stalwart, evidenced by his eight All-Defense team recognitions, enhanced SGA’s attention to defensive responsibility.
Paul also compared Gilgeous-Alexander’s defensive development to that of Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry, noting how Curry has improved defensively over time and gained Paul’s respect for evolving into a more complete player on that end of the court.
Despite not yet earning an All-Defense selection, Gilgeous-Alexander has been a key contributor to the Thunder’s consistently high defensive rankings during recent seasons. Oklahoma City’s coach Mark Daigneault has openly incorporated SGA as a defensive focal point, refusing to shield him from challenging defensive assignments.
Ongoing Criticism Toward Luka Doncic’s Defensive Stance
Chris Paul’s remarks about Luka Doncic’s defense echo a broader trend of former players and analysts scrutinizing the Dallas Mavericks star’s effort and impact on defense. Despite Doncic’s offensive prowess as a perennial MVP candidate, his defensive consistency remains a point of contention. Highlight reels showcasing defensive lapses by Doncic went viral earlier this year, intensifying criticism towards his defensive contributions.
Statistical Evidence Supporting Paul’s Preference for Gilgeous-Alexander
Statistical analysis aligns with Paul’s preference for Gilgeous-Alexander when it comes to defense. According to official NBA statistics, SGA’s defensive rating stands at an impressive 106.0, placing him 10th overall among league players. By contrast, Luka Doncic ranks outside the top 60 in the same category.
Adding to this, Gilgeous-Alexander is also ranked No. 4 in offensive rating and holds the third position in overall net rating, exemplifying his balanced all-around game. Furthermore, SGA’s Defensive Win Shares total 2.9, which ranks fifth in the NBA and reflects his tangible contribution to team success through defense. Doncic, meanwhile, is considerably lower on this metric, positioned at No. 74.
The Broader Significance of Defensive Commitment in the NBA
Chris Paul’s critique of Luka Doncic compared to his praise for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander highlights the ongoing importance of defense in shaping NBA stars. While offensive talent often grabs headlines, Paul’s remarks emphasize that players who demonstrate genuine effort on defense win the respect of teammates and veterans alike. This viewpoint underscores the value placed on defensive accountability in building championship-contending teams.
As Gilgeous-Alexander continues to develop under seasoned coaches like Mark Daigneault, his defensive abilities could not only strengthen the Oklahoma City Thunder’s playoff aspirations but also set an example for emerging players. Meanwhile, Doncic’s defense remains under scrutiny, and how he addresses these concerns could influence his future reputation and success within the league.
Chris Paul says he’s taking SGA over Luka:
“That year that we played together, he also started to see that defense matters… Your teammates just want to see that the stars actually try on defense… I got a lot of respect for Steph, Shai, and all these guys who at least try on… pic.twitter.com/JwZUYU3qGv
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) February 24, 2026
Is it time to worry about Luka Doncic’s defense? 😬
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 31, 2025
