After looking like the clear favorite to represent the Western Conference in the NBA Finals all year, the Phoenix Suns’ playoff run has come to an end. Their season finale was an ugly 33-point loss in Game 7 to Luka Doncic and the red-hot Dallas Mavericks.
Following this loss, speculation arose of it being the final game of Chris Paul’s Hall of Fame career. The 37-year-old quickly made it clear he has zero intentions of hanging it up anytime soon.
“You play long enough and you don’t win, every time you lose, they’re going to say it was your best chance,” Paul said. “But I think for me, us, it’s we’ll be right back next year. I’ll tell you that much. I’m not retiring tomorrow, thank God. Hopefully, I’m healthy coming back. But I’m [going to] keep playing.”
Currently, Paul is signed through the 2024-25 season. Despite approaching his late-thirties, he has shown he can still be a key piece for a team. While Paul’s 14.7 points per game was a career-low, his 10.8 assists per game were the best in the NBA this year and his highest since 2008.
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Given the current state of the Suns, Paul is right to feel optimistic about their ability to contend moving forward. Outside of starting center Deandre Ayton, most of Phoenix’s core is signed through at least next season.
There is no telling if the former number one pick will be back with the Phoenix Suns, but even if he isn’t, they will still have the talent to make some noise in the West.
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A championship is the only thing that eluded Chris Paul throughout his long career in the NBA. If he were able to add it to his long list of accolades, it would cement his legacy as arguably the greatest point guard ever. Between him proving he can still perform and Phoenix’s roster outlook, it makes sense that he is in no hurry to walk away for good.
