Thanks and right back at you for your kind words.

I think that Robertson was a much better defender than Paul. And, through the years, the committees of NBA coaches who vote for All-Defensive teams would agree. Thus far, CP3 was voted by the coaches to only one All-D team — second-team status in 2008. While Robertson was a second-teamer four times (1986, 1988-90), and a first-team honoree twice (1978, 1991).

The only caveat in the above information is that this is only Paul's fourth season in the NBA, while Robertson had a 10-year career.

In any case, because of his diminutive size — 6-0, 175 — Paul is strictly a sniper, and a gambler. If his gambles are unsuccessful, Paul is liable to be overwhelmed by bigger, stronger opponents, e.g., either taken into the pivot, or moved to a sweet spot, bumped, and then watching helplessly as his man shoots over the top.

On the other hand, Robertson measured 6-4, 208, so he was rarely bullied by opponents. In addition to his quick hands and quick feet, Robertson had the strength to force opposing point guards to turn away from the action, which, aside from stripping the ball, is the best that a defender can hope to do. Also, because of his size and strength, Robertson was better able to switch screen/rolls without suffering the severe disadvantages that result when Paul is forced to do the same.

Give Paul a slight edge in overall quickness and speed, but Robertson was a more versatile and effective defender.

Travels With Charley

Here's another incident that forced me to accept the fact that I wasn't cut out to be a successful coach in the CBA.