Chris Paul's retirement may not have been the grand farewell many expected, but he's certainly not shying away from the spotlight. Recently, on Carmelo Anthony's "7pm in Brooklyn" podcast, Paul made headlines by weighing in on a hot debate: Who's the better point guard, Luka Doncic or Shai Gilgeous-Alexander?
Paul didn’t hesitate to pick Shai, highlighting the importance of defense. "Your teammates just want to see that the stars actually try on defense," he remarked, reflecting on his time playing alongside Gilgeous-Alexander with the Oklahoma City Thunder. It's clear Paul values effort on both ends of the court, something he saw firsthand with Shai.
Known for his loyalty to former teammates like Devin Booker, Paul’s comments hold weight. His praise for the San Antonio Spurs as the best organization he played for might have stung Phoenix Suns fans, but his insights are always worth noting.
Paul’s legacy as a floor general is built on his basketball IQ and defensive prowess, especially during his standout years with the L.A. Clippers. Comparing this to Doncic, whose defense can be inconsistent, it's easy to see why Paul leans towards Shai.
Doncic, despite his offensive brilliance, has sometimes clashed with other stars, including Booker and the Suns, due to his on-court antics. This makes the hypothetical fit of Shai in Phoenix alongside Booker even more appealing. Shai’s presence could allow Booker to focus on his scoring, something the Suns could benefit from.
While the Suns currently face their own challenges with player health, Paul's perspective offers an intriguing look at what could be. For now, his endorsement of Shai over Luka adds another layer to the ongoing debate about the league's top point guards.