[Paul joins the Suns and Booker]
's first blockbuster trade in 2020 comes later than ever. According to the US media, the Suns and the Thunder reached a preliminary agreement. They used Rubio, Ubre, Ty Jerome, Jaylen Lake, and the first round of protected signings to the Thunder in 2022 in exchange for Paul and Nadir.
Last season, Paul showed a vigorous side in the Thunder. He got rid of injuries and played a full season with the Thunder. In 70 games he played, Paul averaged 17.6 points, 5 rebounds and 6.7 times in 31.5 minutes. 1.6 assists and steals, shooting 48.9%.
In this season, Paul gave full play to the true nature of "Mr. Key". He ranked first in the league in scoring at the critical moment (the last 5 minutes of the game, with a score difference of less than 5 points). The existence of CP3 also made the Thunder the best in the league. The team playing upwind. With his outstanding performance, Paul was once again selected to the NBA All-Star and All-NBA Team after a lapse of four years. He led the Thunder to the playoffs as the fifth in the Western Conference and played seven games with the Rockets in the first round.
It is undeniable that Paul is the kind of player who can bring transformation to the team. Before he came to the Clippers, that team missed the playoffs for five consecutive years, and the arrival of CP3 made the city of the air to be among the six consecutive years. Playoffs and reached the semifinals three times. After being switched to the Rockets, Paul helped the team reach the Western Conference Finals and played seven games with "Cosmic Brave", writing a heart-stirring chapter. After coming to the Thunder, Paul turned a team that should have been rebuilt into a Western contender.
Paul's characteristics determine that he can adapt to teams of different styles and levels to increase the lower limit of the team, but in the new season, Paul is one year old, and his big contract is two years left. These factors contain potential concerns.
The Suns’ deal can be described as both opportunities and risks. They exchanged for a Hall of Fame-level point guard and team leader. After an unbeaten record of 8 wins and 0 losses in the rematch stage last season, the Suns have reason. Looking forward to a bright future, they are expected to become a spoiler in the Western Conference in the new season. But how far can Paul, Booker and Ayton's combination of "one old and two young" go? This is still full of unknowns.
In response to this topic, Tencent Sports convened 24 high-quality sports authors who expressed their opinions. Among them, 13 authors believed that the Suns will stop in the first round of the playoffs in the new season, and 9 believed that the Suns could reach the semifinals. , Think that the Suns missed the playoffs and made the Western Conference Finals each have their own seats, optimistic about CP3 leading the team into the playoffs more than 95%.
stopped in the first round of the playoffs: 13 people agreed with the mainstream view of the author of the
sports number that the Suns can enter the playoffs, but it is difficult to break through the first round. Paul’s joining is undoubtedly a boost to the Suns. He can lead Come with leadership and game experience to help the team unlock the winning code.
In the rematch, the Suns almost broke into the playoffs. This young team has already begun to cash in on their talents. With the entry of "old gun" Paul, this team will be more stable and reasonable on both offense and defense in the new season. With Paul sorting out the team's offense, Booker will be liberated. If they stay healthy, they should be able to make the playoffs in the new season.
is just that the team’s growth cannot be achieved overnight. Although Paul has joined, the Suns are essentially a young team. Booker has never had a playoff experience, and Ayton needs a long time to experience and grow. Considering that players other than Paul lacked playoff experience, when the Suns met the Lakers, Clippers, Warriors and Nuggets in the first round, it was not easy for them to break through the first round.
Considering that the Suns have missed the playoffs for 10 consecutive years, as long as Paul can bring the team into this field in the first season, this is already a successful experience. Don't forget, Paul has reached the playoffs for 10 consecutive years, and this law is expected to continue in the new season. The following is the author's view of the sports number-
sports number: Mange said sports
view: the first round of the playoffs
Reason: Although the Suns won Chris Paul, but overall they are still a young team, Booker He has never had a playoff experience, and Ayton still needs a long time to grow. From the performance of the Thunder last season, it can be seen that Paul’s current strength can only lead the team to the playoffs, and his decisive ability at critical moments is not as good as before. The fundamental purpose of the Suns trading him is to help two young cores. Grow ifThey still maintain the current lineup and do not make further trade reinforcements. Personally, I think the Suns can only reach the first round of the playoffs at most.
sports number: lazy people talk about the ball
point of view: the first round of the playoffs
reason: the talent of the Suns is good, but also has the strength to reach the playoffs, the performance in the rematch stage last season was very good, far from the postseason The game is only one game away, and Paul can use his own experience to help Ayton and Booker grow up quickly, and he will organize the Suns’ offense more smoothly and rationally. Together with Paul’s own personal ability, he can enter the playoffs. There should be no problem, but given the lack of experience of the Suns other than Paul in the playoffs, it is difficult to break through the first round.
sports account: Lao Liang commented on
Viewpoint: the first round of the playoffs
Reason: From the perspective of paper strength, the combination of Paul + Booker + Ayton is indeed very competitive, and can even compete with the Nuggets and Jazz. The team is comparable. But Paul is one year older, and Booker's offensive pressure is increasing after the lack of Ubre and Rubio, and Paul's data contribution is not enough to make up for the absence of the two. It is certain that Paul is still Mr. Key, but this Sun does not have a decent striker. With the young Ayton and Booker alone, perhaps Paul can use his rich experience to lead them into the playoffs, but it is difficult to get through. farther. Unless the Suns continue to look for competitive forward players during the offseason, then they may be able to break through the first round of the playoffs.
Sports No.: Weiheng
View: First round of the playoffs
Reason: After Paul, the Suns are likely to be the same as the Thunder in the 2019-20 season. Paul led a group of young talented players in the regular season. In the playoffs, they exposed their lack of experience and lack of depth in the lineup. It is probably the Suns' upper limit to reach the playoffs next season. It is very difficult to make the playoffs further.
Sports Number: LogoShot
Viewpoint: At least the first round of the playoffs
Reason: Last season, the Suns won 8 consecutive victories from the playoffs just one step away. And Paul also played a very amazing performance in the Thunder last season. No one except Paul himself would have thought that the Thunder could reach the top six in the Western Conference, so Paul still has fuel in his fuel tank. Now that Paul has teamed up with Booker and Ayton, I believe Paul can help the two young people complete their first playoff journey in their careers. The potential of Booker and Ayton under Paul's connection will also be further developed. Therefore, the lower limit of the Suns is at least the first round of the playoffs, and the upper limit depends on how much Booker and Ayton's ability improves.
Sports Number: Next door, Wang Kanqi
View: the first round of the playoffs
Reason: When Paul joined the Suns, Booker finally ushered in a master-level point guard, he finally does not need to worry about the pressure of holding the ball, as a Supporting the youth army, the Suns achieved an impressive record after the rematch last season. They are talented enough to bring skill blessings. Although Paul’s age is an uncontrollable factor, the All-Star guard will bring a qualitative change to the Suns. If possible While staying healthy, Ayton’s skill pack seamlessly matches with Paul. This team will steadily make the playoffs next season, so the first round of the playoffs is still promising.
sports number: coin chat basketball
point of view: the first round of the playoffs
Reason: The Suns do not lack talent, what they lack is the people who bring them together, Paul is such a person. If Paul can continue to maintain the level of last season, the Suns will have no major health problems. They are expected to win the playoffs, but whether they can break through the first round depends on the performance of Booker and Ayton. Paul in good condition can protect the Suns. The lower limit of the performance, and the upper limit still depends on Booker and Ayton.
Sports No.: A Rui said sports
Views: the first round of the playoffs
Reason: Even with a ball master like Paul, the overall lineup of the Suns is not as strong as the Western Conference playoff team. In the quarter-finals of the season, the Suns still did not enter the playoffs after Booker's strong play, and Paul's age has gradually increased. His ability is still there, but facing a strong Western team, the Suns are hopeful to enter the playoffs. Round, but the hope of qualifying for the second round is not great.
sports account: Xiao Er will accompany you to talk about sports
View: The first round of the playoffs
Reason: The Suns achieved outstanding results in the rematch of last season and almost entered the playoffs. This shows that this young team has begun to fulfill its talents and their strength has improved by leaps and bounds. The new season adds Paul , Then while they maintain the offensive impact, they will also increase the reasonableness and stability of the offense. Paul was very successful with the Thunder. His characteristic is organization. The Suns also need an experienced veteran to sort out the offense. The two sides hit it off and the result will be successful, at least entering the playoffs.
Sports Number: Away basketball
View: first round of the playoffs
Reason: Paul's joining is undoubtedly a shot to the Suns. In the last season, the Suns had a strong opening and ending under Booker's leadership. Although only one victory was missed in the playoffs, the Suns showed great potential. Now the "old gun" Paul is here, which will bring leadership, game experience and winning methods to the young Suns; coupled with the support of the two rising stars of Booker and Ayton, the Suns will enter the playoffs in the new season The problem is not big, if they want to go further, the management will continue to strengthen.
Sports Number: It’s incredible to say basketball
View: The first round of the playoffs
Reason: As long as Paul is healthy, he has the ability to bring a team that is not too bad into the playoffs, especially in the Western Conference, the Rockets , Spurs, Thunder, Kings, Pelicans, Grizzlies and other potential contenders may face reconstruction or are still under fire, let alone the Suns also have outstanding young players such as Booker, Ayton, Bridges and so on. . However, it is not easy for the Suns to make it through the first round. It is predicted that the four teams in the first half-the Lakers, Clippers, Nuggets, and Warriors, will not be able to play any of them, so under normal circumstances, it is difficult to escape. The fate of a cruise.
Sports Number: Cat Big Bear
View: First round of the playoffs
Reason: Paul's offensive ability is stronger than Rubio, and his organization and control ability are more sophisticated. His arrival can effectively liberate Booker and let him devote himself to the offense. One end. At the same time, Paul's arrival is a boon for the insiders, and Ayton may be activated as a result and play a true All-Star performance. The problem is that the Suns paid two Titans in exchange for Paul. In addition, CP3 is not young. Once injured or the state declines, the Suns' plan will be completely frustrated. There is also a lot of risk in their deal.
sports number: Li Xilin basketball lore
Viewpoint: the first round of the playoffs
Reason: Paul teamed up with Booker and Ayton to promote the Suns to the level of a playoff team, but if you want to get into the second round, you have to It depends on the specific opponent. With the strength of the Suns, it may be difficult to reach the top four in the Western Conference in the regular season. If the Suns meet the Lakers, Clippers, Warriors, or Nuggets in the first round of the playoffs, I'm afraid there is no chance of winning. But if Paul joined the first season to help the Suns return to the playoffs is already considered a success.
stopped in the second round: 9 people agreed with
in favor of Paul leading the team to break through the first round. Compared with the Thunder that changed blood last year, the core structure of the Suns has not changed. After Paul took control, they don’t need to experience too much. More running-in can quickly get on the right track. As long as Paul maintains his ideal state, Ayton is activated, Booker further releases firepower, and the sun will have the possibility of hitting the top four in the west.
Paul’s entry gives the Suns two key ball players. When the team enters a critical moment, both CP3 and Booker can take on the big responsibility, which makes the team's fault tolerance rate increase, thereby increasing the odds of winning in tough games, especially When it comes to a stage like the playoffs, the power of stars will dominate, and the Suns will also play a role for the "old and young". The following is the author's point of view of the sports number-
sports number: Luo said NBA
point of view: the second round of the playoffs
reason: the sun 8 wins and 0 losses in the rematch last season, the upward momentum is strong. After Paul joined the Suns, the team's strength has gone to the next level. As long as there is no major injury, there is great hope of qualifying for the playoffs. Personally, I am optimistic that the Suns will achieve the same position as the Thunder last season, fourth or fifth in the Western Conference. Paul has a strong ability to play key balls, Ayton may improve significantly, coupled with All-Star Booker, the Suns have a great chance of breaking through the first round, but in the second round they may meet the first team in the West. It is difficult to break through. So I think the Suns are most likely to reach the second round of the playoffs. For the Suns who have not made the playoffs for ten years, there can beSuch results are also very good.
Sports Number: Yuwen Basketball
View: The second round of the playoffs
Reason: After Paul, the Suns' lineup was sublimated, they made up the weakest link of the team, Booker no longer needs to be a team point guard, the ball The team's strength has improved. Coupled with the fact that the team has shown a complete run-in strength after the rematch, the Suns are expected to enter the top four in the Western Conference in the new season, and the playoffs are also a sure thing. But if you want to reach the semifinals or go further, the Lakers, Nuggets and other strong teams are not fuel-efficient lights, and Booker and Ayton, who are inexperienced, may not be able to beat them.
Sports Number: Fan Fan said basketball
Viewpoint: the second round of the playoffs
Reason: The Suns management is finally unwilling to win the lottery every year, so he paid for Paul, who had a little oil in the tank. Where is Paul's current role? The tandem organization, pick-and-rolls, mid-to-long range shooting, and the backbone of the team fit the Suns' two cores, Booker and Ayton. Booker finally no longer has to pass the ball for the sake of passing, just focus on scoring; Ayton finally has a guard who can pick and roll with him, who will play his best; and the team no longer has to worry about no one controlling the rhythm at the critical moment. With these trio in, I am optimistic that the Suns will enter the second round next season.
Sports Number: Old basketball naughty boy
Viewpoint: second round of the playoffs
Reason: Chris Paul has proven countless times in the past how strong he is when he joins a new team in his first year. Go to the Rockets to enter the Western Conference Finals and the Warriors. Seventh, the Thunder led the team to the fifth playoffs. There is no shortage of talent for this sun. Booker Aton Bridges, the worst is the realization of talent, and Paul has the operating ability to achieve profitability. As for the competitors in the same industry, the Lakers Clippers Warriors Nuggets fourth team is the Suns goal, whichever one can be a big success.
Sports No.: Gongzi Jiangqiu
View: Second round of the playoffs
Reason: The Suns' winning streak in the playoffs last season was impressive, indicating that the Suns have the ability to play superior games.
Now that Paul has joined Phoenix, it is tantamount to giving Ayton more comfortable outing sessions and completely liberating the fact that Booker is a "killer". In the case of both inside and outside, the Suns lineup is obviously more reasonable than other teams. However, the new season is only their first season of cooperation, conservative estimates of the second round of the playoffs.
Sports Number: Basketball Deeds
View: The second round of the playoffs
Reason: In the 2019-2020 season, the Thunder would have to be rebuilt. The team was brought to the playoffs by Paul for life, and it was unfortunately lost in seven games against the Rockets. Compared with the current lineup of the Suns, the talent and strength are stronger than the Thunder. If the team is well-tuned, the three-core lineup of Paul, Booker and Ayton will be very competitive. Personal guess is at least the second round of the playoffs. !
Sports Number: Xiaoning Kanqiu
View: The second round of the playoffs
Reason: This is a conservative view, because the Thunder fell in the first round of the playoffs last season, so this time when they teamed up with Booker and Ayton. At the time, the ending may be many different. Booker is no longer a data brush, and Ayton is often underestimated by us. The chemistry of the three of them will make this team fundamentally different. There is a family that grows older and more demon, Paul is still Sao Paulo, and Phoenix should give us better results.
Sports Number: Ball Chaser
Viewpoint: Second round of the playoffs
Reason: Paul is indeed capable of leading Booker and Ayton to the playoffs, but considering the strong Western teams such as the clouds, the Lakers, Clippers, Warriors, etc. They are all favorites to win the championship, and it is good for Solar to break through the first round and enter the second round; of course, Paul's arrival not only releases Booker's offensive talent, but also releases Ayton's talent. These three giants are indeed worth looking forward to.
Sports Number: Sports rookie Liu
View: The second round of the playoffs
Reason: Paul's arrival will become the leader of the Suns, he can lead the team further. Booker and Ayton are very good, but they lack a leader, and Paul is what they need. As long as they can avoid the Lakers, Clippers and Warriors in the first round, they will enter the second round, and I believe Paul can do it.
Other views: 2 people
There are two authors who hold other views.Zhongyi believes that the Suns will still miss the playoffs. The reason is that there are many strong enemies in the Western Conference, and the competition for the playoffs will be more fierce. Paul is old and the unpredictable risk is also increasing. The essential problem of the Suns is the lack of winning. Culture, this is not something Paul can solve. Another person in
believes that Paul can lead the team to the Western Conference Finals. After the Warriors’ dynasty, the NBA Western Conference will be more balanced. Any situation may happen. The core players’ health, chemistry, luck and other factors may contribute to the final result. influences. The author's opinion of the sports number is as follows-
sports number: wolf smoke NBA
opinion: difficult to enter the playoffs
Reason: The West is too fierce, this season's top eight in the West, there is a high probability that only the Thunder will fall behind, and the Warriors will come back next season. With Paul joining, the Suns' book strength looks good, but don't forget that Paul is not young anymore, and his injuries will increase as he gets older. The fundamental problem of the Suns is the lack of winning culture, which is not something Paul can solve.
Sports Number: Lude’s sports words
View: Western Conference Finals
Reason: Be bold, how bold and productive you are. In the entire Western Conference, perhaps the lineups are not obviously short and strong are the Lakers and Nuggets. There is a team. Although it is a small ball era, it is still very strong to have a top center. For example, Rio Kic blasted the Clippers in the playoffs, the Clippers have obvious shortcomings, the Warriors still lack powerful big men, the Jazz are not far away, the Mavericks are still young, and the Timberwolves, let alone the new lineup of the Suns? First of all, the team coach and Paul have a good relationship, and they know each other. Secondly, the "old, middle-aged and young" are gradually increasing. There is no doubt about Paul's leadership. Booker has become more mature. Ayton is eager to prove himself. Be bold. The Suns can at least Reach the Western Conference Finals! Paul can touch the championship floor once and feel so comfortable as a fan!
Editor in charge: Du Gong Liu Xiaobing
