“Chris Paul is the best thing that has happened to my career”: Deandre Ayton lauds his Phoenix Suns leader for having a huge impact on his young career

Phoenix Suns big man Deandre Ayton praised Chris Paul, calling the future Hall-Of-Famer “the best thing” to have happened in his career.

For the last couple of years, the Phoenix Suns organisation has been a lottery team. However, the Suns have been changing that narrative this 2020-2021 campaign. And Chris Paul could be majorly credited for Phoenix’s successes this year.

It is no surprise that ever since CP3 joined the league as a 20-year-old, he had an immediate impact on whatever team he led. Whether it was New Orleans, the Clippers, Houston, OKC or now, Phoenix, Paul has been instrumental in each of his 15 campaigns.

Behind the leadership of the 11-time All-Star, the Suns advanced to the postseason for the first time in over a decade and are well on their way to make their first NBA Finals appearance since 1993.

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“I love Chris Paul. He’s the only teammate that really pushes me”: Deandre Ayton

Chris Paul is a willing passer, but can also go off for a berserk amount of points if required. One of CP’s best abilities is his skill to make his teammates better. And surrounding himself with young talents like Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton, Paul has certainly lifted their game in only his first season with the Suns.

Ayton, who finished with a 19-point and 22-rebounds double-double in an 84-80 Game 4 win against LAC in the WCF, went on to give his leader some high praises, calling Chris “the best thing” that’s happened to his young career. In a postgame interview, the 6-foot-11 big man said:

“I love CP, man. Like I said, that’s really the only teammate that really push me. Like big bro type push. Knowing what I got and that I ain’t never thought that I had,” Ayton said after Game 4. “I think he was the best thing that happened to my career. I can say that every day.

“Just C is really a dude who pays attention to detail. It’s not how you say it, it’s what he’s saying. I think most people don’t get it. It’s just the message for real.”

“And he cares so much, it’s actually great. I’ve never known a guy who cares so much about basketball and competing at everything. And it’s contagious, and that’s what he built in me as well, and just having him as a teammate and the experience that he’s went through and teaching me the little things has helped me. And it’s working.”

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Ayton would just be one of the many players CP has had a drastic impact on. Rightfully, Chris Paul is widely considered as one of the most well-respected leaders in the league.

Being an 11-time All-Star, 4-time Assists champ, 6-time Steals champ, 10-time All-NBA and a future Hall-Of-Famer, Paul can certainly add an NBA championship to his illustrious resume. And with the way he’s been leading his Suns team, it won’t be of any surprise if the “Point God” wins his maiden title this year.