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Chris Paul‘s reputation took another hit this season after the No. 1-seed Phoenix Suns were upset in the playoffs. But Trae Young says he’s still one of the greatest.
It’s been a rough few weeks for Chris Paul. After helping lead the Phoenix Suns to the best record in the NBA, a disappointing playoff loss at the hands of the Dallas Mavericks has added to a lengthy career list of postseason flops. But while plenty of fans are taking the opportunity to ask questions about Paul’s legacy, one of the best young point guards in the NBA is still an admirer.
Trae Young spoke with FanSided last week about The Trae Young Family Foundation and his work to support positive mental health and combat bullying. But even in a conversation about this important topics, Young had time to answer some questions about his top five point guards of all time:
“Steve Nash, No. 1, just because he’s my favorite player. Chris Paul’s in there, Steph’s in there… There’s a lot. Isiah Thomas. And then… Magic, for sure. I’m tripping.”
Trae Young doesn’t seem bothered by Chris Paul’s playoff record
Young has talked in the past about his admiration for Nash and the fact that he far prefers that comparison for his own game to the steady drumbeat of Steph Curry comps. Seeing Paul in there, as the second name he came to, has to be considered a reflection of the respect he has for CP3.
Young has faced Paul just seven times in his career, taking five losses. Young has dominated the matchup in the box score, averaging 27.4 points and 11.3 assists per game to Paul’s 15.1 points and 9.0 assists. The difference — Paul’s team has won five of the seven matchups, outscoring the Hawks by a total of 23 points across the seven games.
For a young player looking to take the next step in his career, he could do a lot worse than trying to emulate Paul’s masterful control and ability to pull out wins, even against the best teams in the league. Maybe he can wish for a bit more luck in the playoffs though.