Chris Paul is widely regarded as the finest leader in basketball. When asked the name of his offense, Clippers coach Vinnie Del Negro replied “the Chris Paul.” During games, Chris visibly keeps his group focused, occasionally smacking a teammate caught drifting during a timeout. During practice, slackers not only have to answer to their coach, but their star player. Even on off days, Chris openly invites his squad over for NFL Sundays and other bonding activities. All of this shows on the court. This Clipper team, so far, is easily the most cohesive team in the NBA. A large part of their current success is directly related to the strength of the bond between players – and this is all a result of Chris Paul. Of course, Chris could not be the leader that he is if his game did not match his uncanny ability to lead. Fortunately, it does. ESPN recently named him the third best player in the NBA. Well, he is the first most valuable.

There are no statistics that could show the effect that Chris Paul is having on the Clippers this season. Well, scratch that – there is one. And it’s the only one that matters. Wins and losses. If the Clippers continue to play at the level that they are playing right now – a tall order, no doubt – CP3 should be a frontrunner for NBA MVP in 2012-2013, regardless of his stats or anybody else’s.