Suns Simply Want Chris Paul to be More Aggressive

Phoenix Suns Chris Paul can distribute the ball as well as nearly any point guard in NBA history. He's led the league in assists five different seasons and commands every offense he's been in with masterful direction.

The 37-year-old is far from his prime, but Paul has recently turned things up as the Suns creep towards the postseason for a third consecutive year.

Such is life when you have both Devin Booker and Kevin Durant on your squad - the offense runs smoother and the floor opens up in lanes that would make semi trucks blush. That's afforded Paul some wide open looks, ones that drive everybody crazy when he doesn't take advantage of them and opts to pass instead.

“I mean everybody has been telling Chris to shoot. You can see his three-point numbers tonight and his (catch-and-shoot) numbers are really good and so he understands, for us to be effective and when Kevin (Durant) gets doubled or he’s on the backside when (Devin) Book is in pick n’ roll, he’s going to get that shot and I thought JO (Josh Okogie) did a really good job of slashing tonight; that created some shots for us on the backside," Suns coach Monty Williams said after Phoenix reached their sixth straight win last night.

"But as far as Chris is concerned, I never thought I had to tell a hall-of-fame player to shoot the ball. He’s driving Kevin crazy. Book and Kevin Durant are going nuts because they all want him to shoot and I think one thing that happens when you don’t shoot that shot in rhythm, it throws DA (Deandre Ayton) offensive rebounding off because he’s getting to rebound but when the guy doesn’t shoot, he’s got to get back out of the lane and that can take away from our ability to get extra possessions. When you have a shot, we’ve been a ‘let It fly’ team from the jump and we don’t want guys thinking about it, especially Chris Paul.”

In the two games Phoenix has played in the month of April, Paul is averaging 19 points per night on 60.9% shooting, which includes 54.5% from downtown.

“We want him to be as aggressive as possible; he understands that. I just think it is something that he is not completely used to," Devin Booker said on Paul after the win over the Spurs.

"People helping off him at some times and him getting overlooked. Think he has always been in a position where he has to make plays for everyone on the court. It will take a little adjusting, always in a good spot if you are looking for a Hall of Famer to be more aggressive.”

The Suns will need all working pieces in order to capture their first franchise NBA title. Though he's not the first or second scoring option, Paul capitalizing on his opportunities could very well be the difference between a parade and sitting at home once again.