The Phoenix Suns have not been a playoff team since 2010.
For years, they have been at the bottom of the league.
The Suns organization has been one of the NBA laughingstocks for several years.
From bad coaching hires, to disastrous drafts, their future always seemed dim.
However, this season has been totally different.
The Suns not only made the playoffs this season, but also finished with the second seed in the tough Western Conference.
Reunited in Phoenix, Monty Williams and Chris Paul helped the Suns to a 51-21 record. (Second in the West)
Well deserved Coach of the Year 👏 pic.twitter.com/6oVhLZviqx
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) May 18, 2021
A big reason for this turn around is Chris Paul.
Paul came to the Suns this past offseason to provide a major upgrade at the point guard position.
For years they had issues with another guard to be alongside their franchise player, Devin Booker.
Now they have a player next to Booker who transcends team cultures.
Paul has turned the Suns into a threat within the NBA.
How did he accomplish this feat?
The Point God
Chris Paul is easily one of the greatest point guards to lace up.
He has been an All-Star now 11 times.
At 35 years old, Paul is still playing at such a high level.
In fact, he was in the MVP conversation for his play.
The numbers are not the same as it was back in his 20s, but his impact and play made him a candidate.
It has been over a decade and he doesn’t seem to lack the ability to be a high-level player.
“The Point God” is slowing down just a little, but still not enough to stop him.
The Effect of Chris Paul
There is one constant in the NBA when it comes to Paul.
Whatever team Paul is on, that team will make the playoffs.
The Chris Paul effect 😲 pic.twitter.com/t1owpdszrC
— The Undefeated (@TheUndefeated) May 23, 2021
From his time with the New Orleans Hornets to now, Paul uplifts a team.
The Suns had Booker and former first overall pick, Deandre Ayton.
However, they were never serious contenders.
They went undefeated in the bubble, but it was still not enough for a playoff berth.
The Suns needed someone that could bring leadership and a different approach.
That is why snagging a player like Paul helps you win.
Enter Paul and the Suns are now in the hunt for a championship.
Paul’s Leadership
Paul is a feisty competitor at his small stature.
He isn’t afraid to yell and demand greatness from his teammates.
People have said that he is a bad teammate before, but his teammates tend to play better with him.
Monty Williams was Chris Paul was "pretty sore" but it was "inspirational" the way he was able to play and still make an impact
— Brendon Kleen (@BrendonKleen14) May 23, 2021
Players like Mikal Bridges are having a career year this season.
Booker isn’t working as hard as he used to, now that he has Paul to manage his load.
Even Cameron Payne is back in the league and contributing after being exiled from the league.
Paul makes other players better whether we realize it or not.
He gives them a new sense of confidence.
Think about the Oklahoma City Thunder and the impact he had with those players.
Even look at those Los Angeles Clippers teams and look at that impact.
Paul is making the Suns roster better players just by being in the locker room and the court.
This is why Paul is turning the Phoenix Suns into a legit title threat.
NEXT: Suns Assistant Coach Has Landed A New Job