When this year’s selection of All-NBA teams are announced, a number of top NBA executives feel that veteran guard Chris Paul deserves serious consideration for either the First or Second Team.
Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer indicated that Paul’s role in helping make the Phoenix Suns a powerhouse team this season deserves recognition, even if his individual numbers might not stand out.
“I’ve had multiple front office executives argue that Paul should be first or second on All-NBA ballots,” O’Connor wrote. “What they’re really arguing for is an acknowledgment of the unmeasurable yet known impact he makes beyond the stat sheet. It will be fascinating to see what other voters decide. The voting process this season has been more difficult than any other I’ve been a part of since 2016-17.”
The Suns are Paul’s fourth different team since 2017 after he was acquired last November after spending just one season with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
In 67 games for the Suns this year, Paul is averaging 16.2 points, 8.9 assists, 4.5 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game, but it’s his leadership of the resurgent team that’s getting recognition.
Prior to Paul’s arrival, the Suns had endured six straight losing seasons. However, with just four games left in the regular season, they have the second-best record in the Western Conference at 48-20, just two games behind the conference-best Denver Nuggets.
Paul just turned 36 last week and has yet to be a part of an NBA championship team. While the Suns may fall short in that effort, the aforementioned executives are hoping that Paul receives the recognition that they feel he deserves.
