NBA GMs Believe Chris Paul will Make the Biggest Impact in 2020-21 Season With Phoenix Suns

The offseason is the most crucial time for each team to make the upgrades they desperately need. The player they draft, trade, and acquire directly affects how the following season will transpire for them. Just like all offseasons, this one was also full of surprises. Even reigning champions, the Los Angeles Lakers, remained very active throughout, making sure their roster helps them with a repeat. However, as per the NBA GM survey, it looks like Chris Paul will make the biggest impact for the Phoenix Suns.

The other candidates

In the 19th Annual NBA.com GM Survey, one question asked was, “Which one player acquisition will make the biggest impact?”. The players whose names came up at the top are Chris Paul of Phoenix Suns, Jrue Holiday of Milwaukee Bucks, and Serge Ibaka of LA Clippers.

The Bucks gave up a lot to bring in a good enough player to convince Giannis Antetokounmpo to sign their extension with them. They succeeded, but another upside is they finally have another superstar to rely on other than Giannis. They are definitely title contenders, and their roster has only improved by adding him.

Talking about the Clippers, they were looking for players to recreate their identity after last season’s humiliating exit. And what’s better than adding a player who has already played with their star player, Kawhi Leonard? Serge Ibaka is a very versatile player and incredible defender.

Among others who are also receiving votes include Bogdan Bogdanovic of Atlanta Hawks, Russell Westbrook of Washington Wizards, Kevin Durant of Brooklyn Nets, and Gordon Hayward of Charlotte Hornets.

Chris Paul tops the list

While Jrue Holiday received 33% of the votes and Ibaka only 7%, Chris Paul came on top with 44% of the votes. Let’s dive into why this might be the case.

This deal was speculated way before it came to fruition. Adding Chris Paul gives them an unequivocal leader that can fit best alongside their franchise star, Devin Booker. As long as he stays healthy, he can lessen the burden on Booker substantially. And let’s not forget, he has the reputation of being one of the best point guards in the league for a reason.

With great young complementary pieces around him like DeAndre Ayton and Mikal Bridges, the changes of Paul leading this team deep into the playoffs have risen a great amount. After giving one of the best seasons last year, he has proved that his best days are not behind him and that he has a lot of room to keep growing.

However, we will only know how accurate this survey is once the Phoenix Suns get down to business in the regular season. What do you think about the results?