The Phoenix Suns just made the biggest — or at least second-biggest — move in franchise history.
Trading for Kevin Durant has elevated them from ‘very good’ to legit championship contenders, even though losing Mikal Bridges’ elite defense was a major blow.
Monty Williams now has two future first-ballot Hall of Famers in the starting lineup, joined by a former first-overall pick in Deandre Ayton, and one of the finest scorers in the league in Devin Booker.
Needless to say, that puts plenty of pressure on the team to finally get things done.
But as much as people talk about how the heat is on Kevin Durant or Monty Williams, Stephen A. Smith doesn’t seem to agree.
If anything, Smith thinks that the guy under the most pressure in Phoenix right now is no other than Chris Paul.
.@stephenasmith believes Chris Paul is under the MOST pressure in Phoenix 🍿 pic.twitter.com/ye8gcHyr6p
— First Take (@FirstTake) February 16, 2023
Paul is undoubtedly the greatest pure point guard of his generation.
Even with all the injuries, he’s still No. 3 in assists all-time, and there’s no way of denying his impact.
But as great as he was, and regardless of how much talent he’s often had around him, his only trip to the NBA Finals ended with a loss, with him being hurt once again.
People won’t criticize Paul for retiring without a ring.
It happened to countless legends like Allen Iverson and Charles Barkley.
But the way he’s been out every season could be a stain on his otherwise perfect résumé, and he’s well aware of that.
So, the clock is ticking on him, and it might as well be now or never.
NEXT: Chris Paul Proves He’s The King Of Assists
