by Ryan Mercier
It’s time.
Chris Paul, one of the best basketball players the world has ever seen, is still seeking his first ring. Unfortunate events completely out of Paul’s control, and some in his control, have led to being championship-less.
His latest playoff injury in a series of many left this year’s top-heavy Phoenix Suns in an 0-2 hole against the No. 1 seeded Denver Nuggets. What followed was a Supernova from Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Nikola Jokic (on the opposing side) and the series is now tied.
CP3 is an all-time great. This season, however, he has really shown signs of slowing down in a glaring way. When he returns, he should come off the bench. Permanently. It’s the best move for the Suns.
Is this because, even after slowing down, he’s a bad player? No. The opposite, actually.
Kevin Durant and Devin Booker do not need a floor general setting up their shots. Booker hasn’t ever even missed a shot in the playoffs before. Ok, that’s not true, but it’s how it feels right now with how he’s dominating. Durant and Booker are otherworldly offensive players who can create shots for themselves and others at any time.
Phoenix, because of the blockbuster trade for KD, has a roster that is rail thin. Even owner Mat Ishbia thought he was playing in Game 4. Enter the Chris Paul Bench Mob.
Paul can generate offense with his brain alone. His role can now be to set up all the lesser players for a short stint. Head coach Monty Williams likely still would not leave a lineup without one of Booker or Durant playing, but perhaps he could try and give both a break at the same time with this new plan.
Would Paul be open to this huge change in his career? That is a question for coach Williams to answer, while Paul thinks about his potential legacy-fulfilling championship with this move.
Struggling Actor Sports 