In the NBA’s annual survey of general managers, Phoenix Suns’ Chris Paul was voted to be the most impactful player offseason acquisition. Paul was traded to the Phoenix after a surprisingly good year with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The 35-year-old point guard showcased his ability to mentor and help elevate the play of promising young players, leading the Thunder to the 5th best record in the Western Conference and a near upset over the 4th seed Houston Rockets. NBA GMs think Paul will be able to help the Suns the same way.
CP3 received 44% of the votes when NBA executives were asked “Which one player acquisition will make the biggest impact?” In second place was Jrue Holiday of the Milwaukee Bucks, who received 33% of the votes. Other names that received votes were Serge Ibaka, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Kevin Durant, Gordon Hayward, and Russell Westbrook.
The Suns had some big moments in the 2020 NBA playoff bubble in Orlando, winning all 8 of their seeding games. Yet Phoenix’s outstanding play was not enough to qualify for the play-in tournament, continuing the team’s 10 season-long playoff appearance drought.
Executives seem convinced that the 6-time NBA steals leader is what the Suns need. Franchise player Devin Booker made his first-ever All-Star appearance in his fifth season. Going into year 6, the 6’5” shooting guard will be looking to make a statement.
The Suns lost all four of their games in their pre-season matchups with the Los Angeles Lakers and Utah Jazz. Whether or not the organization’s offseason moves will pay off remains to be seen. Phoenix makes their regular-season debut on December 23rd against the Dallas Mavericks.
