“Phoenix Suns are BETTER OFF without Chris Paul” – Stephen A. Smith bold claims on Monty Williams’ coaching barriers
Stephen A. Smith weighs in on the impact of CP3's absence on the Suns' success in the NBA playoffs
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This season, Chris Paul’s efforts to the Phoenix Suns were crucial in securing their place in the Western Conference Semifinals. However, there is a growing belief that the team might function better without the point guard’s leadership and skill.
One of those people is ESPN’s analyst Stephen A. Smith, who recently made the argument that while Paul is undoubtedly one of the greatest point guards of all time, the Suns are actually better without him on the court. In a recent episode of ESPN’s “First Take,” Smith explained his reasoning.
“Anybody that knows basketball that appreciates the greatness of true basketball greats want to do everything we can to protect CP3,” Smith said. “We want to look at him and we want to make sure that the world recognizes one of the greatest point guards in the history of the game who is a future Hall of Famer for sure first ballot, easily a top 10 point guard of all time, arguably top five all time. In my mind, he’s top five.”
However, Smith went on to argue that despite Paul’s greatness, the Suns might actually be better off without him, particularly when it comes to their bench production.
“When CP3 is in the lineup, Monty Williams is hesitant to use everybody else, the Terrence Ross, the T.J. Warren, and the Landry Shamet,” Smith added. “It proved that throughout the playoffs prior to CP3 getting hurt, they were the worst bench productive wise of any team in the NBA.”
The Suns thrive without Chris Paul
While Smith acknowledges that Paul is a great player who is willing to do whatever it takes to win, he believes that the Suns are simply a better team without him on the court.
“I’m not even talking about his skills. I’m saying when CP3 is in a lineup, Monty Williams is hesitant to use everybody else,” Smith said. “The second he’s gone and Monty Williams had to use that bench, all of a sudden everything got better for them.”
He added:
“I don’t think he can push pace, especially with the groin injury. That’s asking a lot of him because he’s not healthy, But the other side to it is that because of his greatness and what he commands, it’s difficult for the coach to utilize the other dudes when CP3 is available.”
But it’s fair questioning whether the Suns would be better off without one of the best point guards in NBA history on the court as they continue their quest for their first-ever championship.
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Vivek Yadav
(624 Articles Published)