Things have changed fast for the Phoenix Suns. After a scorching hot start to the season, injuries and other factors slowed them down to a .500 record. And now, after a huge trade deadline, they are back to being the best in the West, with Kevin Durant set to make his debut after the All-Star break.
For the first time in a while, the Suns are favored to win the West, and Chris Paul has embraced the expectations that come with it.
Speaking with ESPN, Suns guard Chris Paul looked ahead to his on-court partnership with Durant and why he’s confident the Suns will make it work as a team.
“I know how much [Durant] loves the game of basketball,” said Paul. “And the same thing with Book. So just that appreciation for knowing how, above all this, they just love hoopin’ like myself, I think that’s a good feeling.”
Paul admitted that it might take some time for things to click, but there is no doubt that Durant, Paul, and Devon Booker are going to be dangerous when they finally figure it out.
Chris Paul Could Get Replaced As Starting Point Guard For The Suns
As excited as CP3 seems to start this new era of Suns basketball, the team’s own ambitions may lead to his departure. This summer, reports indicate the Suns could make a run for Fred VanVleet or Kyrie Irving to take the place of their aging veteran leader.
Obviously, that’s a future scenario for the Suns that all depends on how things play out in the postseason, but a lot is riding on these next few months. With Durant turning 35 soon and Paul already nearing the 40 years mark, the Suns don’t have a lot of time before their stars start to age out.
Still, they have Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton, who will presumably be there to carry the franchise long after Durant and Paul are gone. As the young core of the group, it’ll be up to them (mostly Booker) to take the lead, set the tone, and carry the torch for the franchise as it commits to making a run.
No matter which way you look at it, the future is bright in Phoenix, and credit has to be given to new owner Mat Ishbia for starting off his tenure in the best way possible.
Source: fadeawayworld
