The Phoenix Suns recently acquired JaVale McGee to a one-year, $5 million deal, and Chris Paul apparently played a role in the signing.
According to Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports, Paul has long been impressed with McGee after his performance for the Denver Nuggets in the playoffs. One specific moment that really earned McGee the respect of Paul, however, is the mentality and tenacity he showed in Game 2 of the Suns-Nuggets Semifinals series.
As Haynes narrated, McGee's performance in the blowout Game 2 caught the attention of the Suns guard. The veteran big man played hard even though the contest was not close, something that Paul admired.
Moreover, after the showdown, Paul pulled McGee on the side to say something. According to Haynes, the Point God simply showed his respect to the then Nuggets big man.
Chris Paul told @YahooSports about the moment JaVale McGee caught his attention and how six meaningless minutes made a huge impression, resulting in the big man landing in Phoenix. pic.twitter.com/8SxHqXtHRB
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) August 3, 2021
In the said game, JaVale McGee finished with three points, one rebound and one assist in seven minutes of play. While it was just a brief appearance in what many consider as garbage time, it certainly had a major impact on McGee's signing with the Suns.
Had it not been for that, McGee would probably be joining another team.
In Phoenix, McGee will be backing up young center Deandre Ayton. The Suns' youngster will definitely benefit from having the veteran big man behind him, especially since McGee knows how to win on the big stage being a three-time NBA champion.
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