“Getting After Each Other”: Suns Coach Shares His Amazement to See Chris Paul and Devin Booker Train Together

The Phoenix Suns, it seemed, came into the Orlando Bubble just to showcase that they have in them what it takes to win. The 8-0 reflected very positively on Devin Booker and his leadership for the Suns. Still, what he missed was a guiding figure like Chris Paul, whom he could always count on.

To help him further, the franchise signed the name that almost every other organization was hunting for. Chris, a potential first-ballot Hall of Famer, won everything in his playing career but an NBA ring. Even at this age, he is hungry, and that showed in his practice with the Suns.

Phoenix Suns head coach is highly impressed by the two stars

Coach Monty Williams seemed elated by how the first practice of the team went. The 49-YO specifically liked how both Devin Booker and Chris Paul went full-fledged into a rigorous session. He detailed in an interview,

“Chris is a guy, his competitive edge is well-documented, but in the first practice, we tried to implement every drill. Everything we’ve done has had competition in mind. He jumped right in from the jump and started to stake his claim, dominating drills. To see him and Devin getting after each other was pretty cool. It reminded me of USA Basketball.”

By this reference, he signaled towards the talks that questioned how a growing sensation would allow his stardom to be shared with a hyped vet. But contrary to every doubt, Chris Paul’s addition is a welcome move that Devin Booker can’t thank enough for. 

How will Chris Paul help the franchise achieve its short-term goals?

It has been 10 years since the Suns have entered the playoffs. This is by far their driest run since they began playing in the league. In the 2020 off-season, they let go players like Kelly Oubre and Ricky Rubio to make space for CP3. But they also signed the names like Damian Jones and veteran E’Twaun Moore. Their front-court will be led by players like De’Andre Ayton (C) and Jae Crowder (F). So all-in-all, they’re a better team.

Also, as coach Williams noted, “Chris talk on the side about pick-and-roll angles, and where to move on the screen and when to slip out and when Chris is going to snake. I just try to stay out of the way when I see that stuff going on.”

So they now have an on-court coach playing with them. Can this be a game-changer for the Suns?

Read also – “I Was in a Dark Place”: Chris Paul Recalls Tough Period During his Time in Rockets