Given how difficult it can be to win an NBA championship, it has become common for multiple superstars to partner up and contend for the title. This idea laid the foundation for a superteam, a truly exciting spectacle for players and audiences alike. Unfortunately, Chris Paul isn’t impressed with the notion in the slightest.
A superteam usually features three or more superstars joining forces. A prime example of this is the 2016-17 Golden State Warriors, who won multiple championships while featuring nearly four All-Stars in their starting lineup on any given night.
At its best, watching a superteam in action can be truly glorious. Unfortunately, as Chris Paul mentioned during a recent episode of “The Late Run” podcast, it isn’t always the case. Although he was asked to explain why superteams work in the NBA but not in soccer, Paul rejected such an idea, stating:
“They don’t always work well in the NBA. They don’t always work that well. It’s been shown.”
“I feel like in soccer, it would be the same as in basketball. First of all, you can’t just say, ‘Give me this player and this player.’ It matters what the other pieces are like. What is this player like as a person? What are their leadership qualities?”
“A lot of people are just cool with being the man, right? When you walk into an arena, and guys haven’t had these real conversations, and you’ve just been the guy that everybody runs up to and wants to get these autographs, it’s these human dynamics.”
Chris Paul touches on a critical aspect of any sport with this point.
In every team, there is a star player, a player that is typically viewed as the focal point of the offense, and the one the team looks to when the chips are down. Now, while it is one thing to be this person, accommodating another player who is equally capable of fulfilling that role can prove quite demanding, primarily because it requires an underutilized trait: sacrifice.
On a superteam, the aspect of sacrifice can make or break teams. The 2016-17 Warriors worked because the players were willing to play without the ball. By the same token, others have struggled because keeping one’s ego aside was a fundamental issue.
“It’s so many different dynamics that go into this stuff, man. That’s why I’m a firm believer in over-communicating,” Chris Paul added.
Chris Paul may currently be offering an outsider’s perspective, but his advice is critical, especially for the NBA’s newest superteam, the Philadelphia 76ers.
With the acquisition of Jaylen Brown, the 76ers were already good enough to be considered a superteam. After LeBron James‘ addition, however, Philadelphia’s status is legitimized. Regardless, setting the tone early in the partnership might be the only way to make things work.
Although the roster looks promising, many have pointed out the potential flaws that could plague the 76ers. However, with players like Tyrese Maxey making the first move by expressing their willingness to sacrifice their role, it appears that Philadelphia has the right idea. Now, it is ultimately a matter of execution.
