Non-Goran Dragic Replacements for Suns’ Chris Paul: Cory Joseph
Moving on from Cory Joseph in the coming weeks makes all the sense in the world for the Detroit Pistons. Being a young team looking to feed guys like Cade Cunningham and Killian Hayes ample minutes at point guard, this 30-year-old ball handler belongs elsewhere.
As a crafty facilitator, Joseph currently averages 3.9 assists per game. If he joined the Suns today, that would have him as their third best statistical passer behind Paul and Devin Booker. He clearly knows how to run an offense, and his ability to do so even while on a Piston’s team devoid of talent is that much more impressive.
Averaging 8.1 points per game, Joseph also scores at a higher rate than Phoenix guards Payton and Holiday. He does sit roughly two points behind Payne in the buckets department, but Joseph’s improved efficiency makes up for it, with him currently boasting fantastic .452/.432/.850 shooting splits.
The @DetroitPistons closed the game on an 11-0 run and Cory Joseph knocked down the game-clinching bucket in the comeback win in Sacramento 🏁 pic.twitter.com/DQWRpwqZm0
— NBA (@NBA) January 20, 2022
Anyone with a solid case to take the backup point guard spot from Payne even when healthy deserves to draw Jones’s attention with the rotation hurting like it is right now.
Being a veteran, and former NBA champion with the Spurs, Phoenix could also benefit from Joseph’s wisdom no matter where he fits in the rotation.
Meanwhile, the Suns can grant him his first chance to chase a title since his San Antonio days, prompting Joseph to gladly accept any offer from the Suns, making this a beneficial alliance for all parties involved.