Chris Paul is widely considered the best point guard in the world and welcomes the rising challenge from his younger contemporaries such as Stephen Curry and Damian Lillard.

"You thrive for it," Paul said.

Paul is still only 28 but is considered an elder statesman.

"You just got to be ready because you know they are coming for you," Paul said. "When I was younger, I used to watch film of J. (Jason) Kidd, Steve Nash and you look up to guys like that. But at the same time, there's a point where you have to realize you have to become your own person, where you could care less what they have done.

"Stephen has come to my camp, but he's his own man. Ain't none of that out there on the court being in awe. Everybody feels like they are the best, as they should."