Chris Paul Deserves His Moment in the Sun: Unchecked

At age 36, Chris Paul is in the midst of the most impressive chapter of his career.

Chris Paul said he was written off, but instead, he’s written the most impressive chapter of his career. And now it’s hard to imagine anyone not rooting for CP3 in some way.

“A couple of years ago they were writing me off. This ain’t about me. It’s about us.” @CP3 spoke with @ChrisBHaynes after the Suns advanced to the WCF. pic.twitter.com/vI8Pnhyb2k

— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) June 14, 2021

Paul worked the broom from the right elbow in sweeping the Nuggets and has the Suns just one series away from the NBA Finals and ending his time as the best player to never set foot on that stage.

Chris Paul assist-to-turnover ratio this series against Denver:

41:3

WOW. pic.twitter.com/TvkxU3Hkqv

— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) June 14, 2021

It seems fairly clear this will be his best chance at finally winning the championship, however, he’s already proven himself to be a winner whether he gets a ring or not. I’ll admit, I didn’t think he had an encore to what he did last season with the Thunder in him, yet once again the team he’s taken the floor for has exceeded expectations.

When Chris Paul goes to a new team, that team gets better.

Hornets
Before CP — .220 W%
After CP — .463 W%

Clippers
Before CP — .390
After CP — .606

Rockets
Before CP — .671
After CP — .793

Thunder
Before CP — .598
After CP — .611

Suns
Before CP — .466
After CP — .720 pic.twitter.com/T14age0A6Y

— StatMuse (@statmuse) April 8, 2021

Mainly because he’s exceeded what could reasonably be expected from someone at his age, especially at his size.

Chris Paul became the oldest player with 25 PPG and 10 APG in a playoff series, all-time. pic.twitter.com/85PC3VSNnm

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) June 14, 2021

Paul did become the oldest player ever to average 25 points and 10 assists in a playoff series after all. He’s also now the oldest player to score at least 35 in a closeout game and the oldest guard in NBA history to outscore his age in a postseason contest. I think you get the point. We know he certainly does.

y'all gon give cp3 more RESPECT one day 💯🤝#PointGod

— Ja Morant (@JaMorant) June 14, 2021

And as long as he’s at the point for Phoenix, that team may get its moment in the sun. Because at 36, the only numbers that really seem to matter right now are Suns in 4 and CP3.