Former NBA Player Explains How Western Conference Changes After Chris Paul’s Trade to Phoenix Suns

The Phoenix Suns traded for NBA veteran Chris Paul in hopes to improve their roster. Paul had terrific last season with the Thunder and led them to a playoff berth as well.

Many believe that his addition to the Suns’ roster puts them an instant playoff team. Former NBA player Brevin Knight further discussed the Suns’ upgrade as a team with NBA insider Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson in an interview.

“It’s a definite level up,” said Brevin Knight. “The one thing that’ll happen now is that you just have full battles throughout the Western Conference as you go. There… the stops of going somewhere and like thinking, ‘Okay. Tonight you may have a chance…’ if you don’t step on the floor already – that’s what Chris Paul brings to the Phoenix Suns.”

Knight explains why the addition of Chris Paul is instrumental for a franchise like the Suns.

“You will not walk outta there with a victory as easy as it could’ve been in the past. And so, because of his influence and because of Monty Williams influence and then also getting Jae Crowder; the toughness side of the Phoenix Suns; now you couple that with the skilled players that they have, and that sort of puts them in a different realm and I think that’s what those two vets can do for them.”

Along with handling the facilitating duties for the Suns, Paul will also serve as a mentor for their young stars. Both Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton lack the playoff experience to lead the team all by themselves.

But with Paul’s addition, the Suns have solved this issue for their young stars.

Are the Phoenix Suns serious contenders for 2021 NBA Championship?

Last season, most people wrote off Chris Paul and the Thunder. The major reason behind this was Paul’s age, yet he carried the team to the playoffs. Moreover, he helped in grooming young talents for the team as well.

The similar is the case for the Suns as of now, they have the talents but only lacked a leader both on and off the court. Furthermore, CP3 is still a threat on the floor, he averaged a solid 17.6 points along with 6.7 assists per game for the Thunder last season.

If Paul repeats the same performance this season, it should be more than enough to lead the franchise to a playoff berth. But considering the competition in the Western Conference, the Suns might be a few years away from making it all the way to the NBA Finals.