Chris Paul has been in the NBA for 18 years, and throughout his career, he hasn’t built a kind reputation among fans.
Paul can be a nuisance to get his way during games. But apart from that, his former teammate J.R. Smith revealed that CP3 is an annoying person. Smith shared a story from Paul’s rookie year when he played for the New Orleans Hornets [a.k.a. New Orleans Pelicans].
“He gets drafted by New Orleans. I’m at the draft party going crazy,” Smith said. “And, sure enough, a week or two later, Hurricane Katrina happens. So we go to Oklahoma City. He hits me up and was like, ‘Yo man! Me and my family are going on this cruise. You wanna come?’ and I’m like, ‘Yeah! Why not?’ I’m 19, he’s 19-20 and I thought yeah. I go on this family cruise, and the whole time, he won’t stop talking. He won’t stop talking about everything.
“I’m like, ‘Oh my god! I hope he’s not really like this!’ Just so happens we live across the street from each other in Oklahoma City. So he’s driving me to practice every day… and sure enough, talking, talking, talking. Sit next to him on the plane, talking, talking, talking. On the bus, talking, talking, talking. I’m like, ‘Bro! At what point do you just chill out?’ But I love CP, man. He’s a great dude.”
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J.R. Smith may have been Chris Paul’s teammate for just one season, but it was enough for him to gauge his nature. He got annoyed by Paul’s habit of talking consistently regardless of where he was. But that didn’t stop Smith from forging a friendship with Paul.
Chris Paul May Get Traded This Summer
There was a time when Chris Paul was one of the top players in the NBA. But over the last couple of seasons, CP3 has certainly regressed. His averages have dropped throughout the box score.
While his age is a reason behind it, injuries have played a vital role in it as well. Either way, CP3 had a forgettable 2023 playoffs where he averaged just 12.4 PPG, 5.0 RPG, and 7.4 APG. Following his poor performance in the postseason, the rumor mill suggests the Phoenix Suns may trade Paul this summer.
“I think that I certainly would anticipate that they aggressively shop Chris Paul before that June 28 deadline that would guarantee his salary from $15.8 to $30.8 million,” MacMahon said. “I think it’s pretty likely that Chris Paul is elsewhere next year.”
Paul maybe 38 years old, but there are still a few teams that can use a floor facilitator like him. The Los Angeles Lakers are one of them.
If the Phoenix Suns decided to pull the trigger on CP3’s future, he may get to team up with his longtime friend, LeBron James. Now, that would be something fans would love to see.
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