Never shy about voicing his feelings on the basketball court, Chris Paul of the Phoenix Suns apparently used that same approach in luring Jae Crowder from the Miami Heat.
Appearing on “The Old Man and the Three” podcast–hosted by JJ Reddick–Paul of the Suns explained that he was impressed not only by Crowder's attentiveness on the defensive side of the court, but by the forward's willingness to challenge opponents in defense of his teammates.
According to the transcript of the episode, provided by Brad Sullivan of “Heat Nation”, Paul decided to personally pitch Crowder on joining the Suns:
“After getting to Phoenix, I talked to James Jones,” Paul said. “He said we (Suns) might have a shot at Jae Crowder. So I called him, I called Jae, and I just respect him because he [is] a dog you know what I mean, he [is] gonna guard, he don’t care who the guy is. And remember when I got into it with Duncan Robinson? Nobody said nothing to me, the only person who said something to me was Jae Crowder. Crowder was on the bench, and he was like ‘Yo CP, what’s up with that?’ and I respect that.”
The altercation that Paul referenced came about during the NBA's bubble in Orlando, in which CP3 fired the ball at the Heat's Duncan Robinson. Frustrated by his lack of success in the game, Paul was immediately retaliated against by Jimmy Butler, who charged the point guard. It was Crowder's response however, that most stuck out to Paul in the aftermath. Now Crowder is with the Suns.
Known for his confrontational leadership style–with both opponents and his own team–Crowder's ability to stand up to Paul will likely be crucial on a team that lacks veteran leadership. While the addition of point guard will undoubtedly boost the franchises' chance to qualify for the postseason, his off the court effect on the team can be grating if not properly checked. Thankfully for the Suns, Paul seems to possess self-awareness, to have brought along a counterbalance.
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