30 in 30: Will the Phoenix Suns be a contender once again in 2023?

Is this the year where Father Time catches Chris Paul?

Chris Paul is 37 and will be 38 by the time the playoffs begin. Time is running out for Paul and Father Time could finally be making an appearance in his game this season. If it does, it wouldn’t be that much of a surprise.

Paul is coming off a season in which he averaged 15 points, 11 assists, and four rebounds per game on 49 percent shooting from the field. Eventually, his game is going to begin to fall off. The question for the Suns is, when it inevitably does, how will that impact the team overall?

Paul’s leadership is what has impact the Suns most, but the team plays at a different level when he’s on the floor. I’m not sure he’d have the same impact from the bench. Realistically speaking, this may be the best shot for the Suns to win a championship with Paul.

Phoenix can’t take time for granted and must embrace this season as it may be the last highly productive year from Paul. But if we do see Paul take a step back this season, I’m not sure where that will leave the Suns.