NBA Insiders: Chris Paul "Has Gotten Old"

The Phoenix Suns are off to a typically strong start, at 8-3, but that doesn't mean there aren't issues. Cam Johnson is injured and out for a couple of months; Jae Crowder is sitting at home in his sweats; and team leader Chris Paul is off to the worst start of his legendary career. 

"I think the Chris Paul situation is a problem for Phoenix this year," says ESPN's Tim Bontemps on the Brian Windhorst Hoop Collective podcast. "He does not look like the guy who's going to play at the level they need him to.

"He just looks like a guy who's gotten old." 

CP3 is now 37, and his production is way down. At 9.5 points per game, and 27% shooting from downtown, those are the lowest numbers of his Hall of Fame-worthy 17-year career. 

He's shooting just 37.8% from the field (also a career-low), and his "usage rate" is down to 15% (the league average is 20%). 

It should be noted that Paul is a little banged up with right heel soreness which has greatly affected his ability to move properly on the court.

This was Chris Paul trying to navigate around a screen shortly before checking out of the game in the mid-second quarter. Was hobbling a bit off that right foot and wasn’t on the bench after coming out. pic.twitter.com/wj0SEeUFyN

— Kellan Olson (@KellanOlson) November 8, 2022

Paul has also dealt with numerous other injuries over the past few years. Father Time is taking its toll, and it remains to be seen if CP3 has enough in the tank to lead the Suns on another deep playoff run after a long, gruelling regular season.  

Photo: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports