A debate that never seems to cool down found fresh fuel this week when one of basketball’s sharpest minds, Chris Paul, weighed in on the guard debate.
Chris Paul Backs His Former Teammate Over Luka Dončić in Guard Debate
With Luka Dončić and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander constantly compared as elite guards from the same draft class, CP3 offered a clear answer. And he did not hesitate.
During a recent appearance on Carmelo Anthony’s 7PM in Brooklyn podcast, host Kazeem Famuyide asked Paul to choose between Dončić and Gilgeous-Alexander. As first reported through the show, Paul immediately sided with his former Oklahoma City Thunder teammate.
Famuyide acknowledged that Paul’s relationship with Gilgeous-Alexander could introduce bias. Still, the retired point guard explained that his reasoning goes beyond friendship. For Paul, the difference lies in defensive commitment and the message it sends inside a locker room.
“That year that we played together, he also started to see that defense matters,” Paul said. “You ain’t got to be a locked down defender or whatnot, but when you playing defense for your team, your teammates just want to see that the stars actually try on defense.”
Paul expanded on that theme by referencing another superstar he respects. “When I was in Houston, Steph wasn’t the greatest defender then. Now Steph, he D up, you know what I mean? He plays really good defense and all that stuff. So, I got a lot of respect for Steph, Shai and all these guys who at least try on the defensive end because that’s part of it, and that’s what your teammates want to see.”
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
The comments, delivered at 7 p.m. in Brooklyn, were echoed in broader coverage of Paul’s stance.
In another podcast, Paul also praised Gilgeous-Alexander’s work habits, noting that the Thunder guard loves being in the gym and consistently puts in the necessary work while taking care of his body. That dedication, in Paul’s view, translates directly to two-way consistency.
Offensively, Dončić’s brilliance is rarely questioned. His scoring and playmaking continue to drive the Los Angeles Lakers, and he is widely considered one of the most gifted offensive players in the league.
However, defensive effort and conditioning have frequently been part of the public conversation around him, even as he reportedly improved his shape in his first full season in Los Angeles.
By contrast, Gilgeous-Alexander’s resume now includes an MVP, a championship, and a Finals MVP, accomplishments that strengthen Paul’s argument. Beyond awards, Paul appears to value the example a star sets. His point is not that every guard must be a lockdown defender, but that visible effort on defense builds trust.
Gilgeous-Alexander himself has credited Paul for shaping his professional habits, particularly his attention to body care and game control. That connection adds another layer to Paul’s endorsement.
Ultimately, Paul’s choice reflects philosophy as much as production. In a league dominated by offense, he is reminding fans that respect often begins on the other end of the floor.
