“Threat in the West”: Former NBA Champion Has High Expectations from Chris Paul-Devin Booker Led Phoenix Suns

Published 11/18/2020, 4:30 PM EST

The Phoenix Suns pulled off a blockbuster trade this offseason. Oklahoma City Thunder‘s Chris Paul was a rumored target for the Suns for a long time. Although many believed that a trade involving Paul would never be possible for the Suns, it looks like they found a way to make it happen.

Phoenix will also get Abdel Nader in exchange for Ricky Rubio, Ty Jerome, Kelly Oubre, Jalen Lecque along with a 2022 first-round pick to Thunder. Since 2017, Chris Paul has constantly been on the move. He went from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Houston Rockets and then to OKC.

Against all odds, Thunder could clinch the fifth seed in the Western Conference last season. However, eventually losing to the Rockets after seven games in the first round of the playoffs. Paul was an integral part of the team’s successful run. He averaged 17.6 points, 6.7 assists, and 5 rebounds per game.

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The 35-year-old is a reliable player and an asset on both ends of the court. Now, he is getting another chance to help a team with a young core with Devin Booker and DeAndre Ayton. Not being able to make it to the playoffs for a decade now, the Suns really need a veteran to guide them.

Does Kendrick Perkins think the Phoenix Suns might have a dream team?

Former NBA Champion, Kendrick Perkins has very strong views on the new trio the Suns have formed. “The Phoenix Suns are a threat in the West. They’re going to be a top-five team,” said Perkins.

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“And Chris Paul, one of the best point guards to ever touch the basketball, going parallel with Booker, who is one of the best scorers in today’s game is going to be serious. You got Devin Booker who can go for 50 on any given night. And you give him Chris Paul and take him off the ball when he’s going to be able to get easier baskets and not have to work as hard.”

Talking about the third piece, Perkins asserted, “DeAndre Ayton will be an All-Star this year, mark my words! Chris Paul will have the effect on him like he did DeAndre Jordan when he was with the Clippers. When DeAndre Jordan played with Chris Paul, he played some of his best basketball of his career.”

He concluded, “And don’t be surprised if they make it to the Western Conference Finals.” Looks like Perkins has very high expectations from the Suns. Do you think they can live up to this hype?

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"The Phoenix Suns are a threat in the West. They're going to be a top five team … and don't be surprised if they make it to the Western Conference Finals."
—@KendrickPerkins 👀 pic.twitter.com/GT4blObFYw
— First Take (@FirstTake) November 17, 2020

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Yashima Bhatia is an NBA writer for EssentiallySports who specialises in providing nuanced predictions and updates for matches. She has a Bachelor's degree in journalism and mass communication. Yashima's love for playing the game came up at a young age, when the excitement of the games coupled with the intensity of the Playoffs had her hooked.

“Threat in the West”: Former NBA Champion Has High Expectations from Chris Paul-Devin Booker Led Phoenix Suns

Does Kendrick Perkins think the Phoenix Suns might have a dream team?

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