Chris Paul has been playing terrific basketball for the Phoenix Suns in the 2020-21 NBA campaign. But the fact that most pundits still don't have him in the MVP race still baffles Charles Barkley.
In the latest episode of NBA on TNT on Thursday, the Hall of Fame forward made a strong case for CP3's MVP bid.
“Early in the season, LeBron was MVP then Joel Embiid. Then James Harden was the MVP. You guys have to start giving my guy Chris Paul love for MVP. He's been fantastic all season.”
Chris Paul for MVP?
Charles Barkley says he belongs in the conversation.@NBAonTNT | @CP3 pic.twitter.com/kXb5JhAQFo
— Dime (@DimeUPROXX) April 9, 2021
Sir Charles' sentiments were of course met with some skepticism from his colleagues Kenny Smith and Shaquille O'Neal. Barkley, however, stood his ground and insisted that the 35-year-old playmaker has indeed been the Most Valuable Player in the 2020-21 campaign.
Judging by CP3's numbers and the Suns' record, it's really hard to deny Paul's case. Phoenix was expected to be on the rise this season following that undefeated run they had inside the NBA bubble last year. But Paul single-handedly elevated the Suns to contender status upon his arrival in the offseason.
In 49 games so far, the 11-time All-Star has been averaging 16.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, 8.8 assists, and 1.4 steals, while shooting 49.3 percent from the floor and 37.2 from deep. Paul was sensational in the Suns' last outing, a massive OT win over number one seed Utah Jazz.
Paul recorded 29 points, nine assists, four rebounds, and one steal and hit clutch buckets to put away the Jazz for good. With Paul running the show, the Suns have won seven straight games and currently hold the second-best record in the West with a 36-14 mark. Even Paul's fellow All-Star Devin Booker deserves a spot in the MVP conversation.
Do you agree with The Chuckster on this one?
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