Phoenix Suns: Chris Paul looks like… well Chris Paul
Anyone holding pessimism for the Phoenix Suns does so with the prospect of a major Chris Paul decline firmly in mind. The point-guard maestro is set to enter his 19th season and will turn 38 years of age should the team exercise a decent playoff run.
Paul’s 37th birthday wasn’t kind to him in the 2022 playoffs; he averaged less than 10 points across the final five games against the Dallas Mavericks, with the underwhelming performances a major contributor the Suns shocking 4-3 loss.
It was the second postseason in a row that Paul had been less than himself in key moments, with injury and illness playing a factor. But it’s the sheer enormity of the collapse against the Mavericks that leaves a major question mark on the Suns, but also an ageing Paul and what he may have left in the tank.
Chris Paul’s opening two preseason games suggest he’ll remain at an All-Star level, easing concerns the veteran was set for a major fall.
While there were a number of team issues over the opening two games, Paul’s individual play has to be a positive reassurance of the Suns situation going forward. With the four other starters each entering the season at under 26 years of age, it’s imperative Paul remains at a similar level to his impressive 2021-22 regular season.
He began the preseason with six points and 12 assists in the Suns shock loss to the Adelaide 36ers, although Paul and the other starters were +11 in their 22 and a half minutes of gametime. He followed that with a double-double against the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday, recording 13 points, ten assists and four rebounds in the 119-115 win.
It’s not necessarily about the numbers though, rather simply how Paul looks from a movement standpoint. Is he still orchestrating the pick-and-roll in dominant fashion? Can he get to his spot in the midrange and elevate to knock it down as effectively as ever? Are the fast twitch physical and mental fibres still there to recognise and deliver an on-point pass for an open shooter?
The answer is a confident yes at this stage, even if he’s unsurprisingly going through the motions in some respects. The aspect of Paul as an off-ball threat has also been evident, knocking down a catch-and-shoot three in each of the two games.
Next. Phoenix Suns may need to sacrifice defense for bench production. dark
While it’s a long 82 game season followed by what Phoenix will hope is a deep playoff run, fans should be buoyed by the spritely play of Paul so far in preseason.