Chris Paul undoubtedly has built a wealth of knowledge during his lengthy NBA career, and the Phoenix Suns guard is claiming that nobody knows basketball better than him.
“I love this game, man,” Paul told The Pivot Podcast (at the 57:10 mark). “And one thing I can say, and I say it here — don’t nobody know this game better than me. That’s real. That’s real, the ins and outs, the nuances of this game. I wake up in the morning, my kids know. I’m watching tape. I’m watching film. I’m thinking strategy. You might be better at something than me, but you not gon’ know this game better than me.”
The 38-year-old just completed his 18th season in the NBA and his third with the Suns. They were eliminated in the second round of the playoffs by the Denver Nuggets, and Paul was unable to complete the series because of an injury.
In the past, his basketball acumen has paid off with multiple All-NBA and All-Defensive team honors plus numerous All-Star Game selections. He has led the NBA in assists per game five times, including as recently as the 2021-22 season.
Paul has not, however, won an NBA championship, despite his best efforts. He lost his only appearance in the NBA Finals when the Suns were defeated by the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021. He also lost the Western Conference Finals to the Golden State Warriors in 2018 while with the Houston Rockets.
Paul reportedly is likely to return to play for the Suns next season, unless Phoenix can find a worthwhile trade for supporting players to build around stars Devin Booker and Kevin Durant. The Suns also will have a new coach, with Frank Vogel replacing Monty Williams.
If a return to Phoenix is not in the cards, there reportedly is a chance Paul could return to Houston if the Rockets fail in their pursuit of a reunion with James Harden.
Paul has passed on what he knows as coach of a successful AAU program in his native North Carolina that has put some of its former players, including Dallas Mavericks forward Reggie Bullock, into the NBA. But Paul said during the podcast appearance that he doesn’t want to pursue an NBA coaching life because of the travel demands and time he has already missed with his children.
Whenever Paul does decide to retire, there is a very good chance he will take his incredible knowledge with him into the Hall of Fame.
