Consider this a lifetime achievement award.

Paul doesn't have quite the same burst he once did, and that makes it easy to forget just how brutally he assaulted opponents' ankles in his younger years. Just a few reminders here and here. He's hardly washed as a crossover artist yet, as this filthy move from last season shows. But he's not what he used to be.

He's still the hardest guy to leave off the official list.

C.J. McCollum, Portland Trail Blazers

McCollum is perhaps the best subtle ankle-breaker in the league, as the threat of his jumper (that'll be a theme for almost everyone on this list) forces opponents to lean forward in hopes of contesting in time. The Blazers guard isn't lightning quick, but his incredible body control and odd combination of hesitation, shoulder fakes and sneaky reach-baiting make him a nightmare to stay in front of.

This may seem like an unfair omission from the top five, but Harden isn't a conventional cross-you-up ball-handler. He really just wants to get his shoulder past you (at which point you're doomed) and will settle for bringing his hands up into your forearms even if he doesn't. Sure, he'll go around defenders once in a while. But what makes him so hard to guard is less about lateral quickness and more about unmatched guile and strength.

More of an angry, "collapse your sternum by driving right into you" or "I don't care where you are, I'm jumping over you" attacker, Westbrook isn't known as a particularly slick ball-handler. But he did this to the Phoenix Suns last year, so you'd better believe he's getting a mention.

Special Big Guy Division: Ben Simmons, Philadelphia 76ers

Grant Hill with a couple of extra inches, folks. That's what we've got with Simmons, an unfathomably shifty guard masquerading as a 6'10" power forward. This guy gets to his spots in the lane at will, despite scaring absolutely no one with his jumper.

Special Injured Big Guy Division: Jabari Parker, Milwaukee Bucks

They don't make many players with Parker's combination of bulk and sheer open-court zip. He changes direction at full speed and can send defenders toppling with crossovers in either direction. Here's hoping he makes it back from his second torn ACL with nasty handle intact.