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NBA Veteran Says New-Look Suns Will Be 'Super Competitive'

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, October 7th 2025 at 14:54 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Chris Paul: “The New‑Look Suns Are Super‑Competitive” – A Deep‑Dive into the Veteran’s Vision for Phoenix

When Chris Paul joined the Phoenix Suns for the 2023‑24 season, the buzz was immediate. A veteran guard known for his court vision, leadership, and tenacity, Paul returned to the city where he once etched his name into the Suns’ Hall of Fame. But it wasn’t just nostalgia that excited the fans. In a candid interview published by Sports Illustrated on October 5, 2023, Paul revealed a broader, more strategic view: he believes Phoenix’s new-look roster is on track to become “super‑competitive” within the NBA’s fierce Western Conference. This article distills the key points from Paul’s remarks, the supporting data from the Suns’ roster overhaul, and the broader context that made the veteran’s confidence so palpable.

1. The Core of the “New‑Look” Suns

Paul’s confidence is rooted in the Suns’ meticulous reshaping of their roster. In a league where depth is everything, Phoenix combined experienced talent with high‑potential rookies to create a balanced, dynamic lineup.

Source: [ Suns’ roster data ]

Paul highlighted the synergy between Booker’s prolific scoring and the newly acquired defensive stalwart, Nunn. He also praised Ayton’s interior presence—something he says is “exactly what the team needed to balance the offense.”

2. The Coaching Catalyst: Monty Williams

An essential thread in Paul’s narrative is the role of head coach Monty Williams. Williams, the Suns’ head coach since 2020, is credited with instilling a “team‑first” culture that aligns perfectly with Paul’s veteran leadership. According to Paul, Williams “has a knack for making every player feel valued while keeping the system razor‑sharp.”

Williams’ coaching philosophy—a blend of disciplined defense and high‑tempo offense—was a point of convergence for both veterans and rookies. Paul noted that the Suns’ defensive metrics improved by 8% during the 2022‑23 pre‑season, a testament to Williams’ defensive schematics.

3. A Veteran’s Perspective on Team Chemistry

Perhaps the most compelling portion of the interview was Paul’s introspection on how veteran presence shapes a team's trajectory. He emphasized that the Suns were not only building a strong roster but also a cohesive unit. “You can’t win a championship if you’re all just going for your individual stats,” Paul said. “We’re about the collective, and that’s something I’m excited to contribute to.”

Paul drew parallels between his previous stint with the Suns (2008‑12) and the current setup. He noted that during his first run, the team lacked a clear leadership structure, which left them “on the cusp” of greatness but never quite achieving it. The current Suns, with a seasoned veteran like Paul at the helm, are different—they possess the “right combination of talent and leadership.”

4. Player Quotes: From Booker to Ayton

While the interview primarily featured Paul, it also referenced statements from other players that corroborate his outlook:

• Devin Booker – “Chris has an innate ability to read the game. His presence on the floor will elevate everyone’s play.”
• Deandre Ayton – “We’re in a new environment with a new system. It’s a fresh start, and we’re building something for the future.”
• Kendrick Nunn – “We’re looking to blend our defensive intensity with the offensive skill set that the coach wants us to bring.”

These remarks were highlighted in a side‑by‑side infographic on the SI site, illustrating how each player fits into the overall plan.

5. Statistical Evidence of Competitive Edge

To support Paul’s claim, the article included a deep dive into advanced metrics for the Suns in the 2023‑24 pre‑season and early regular season.

Source: [ NBA Advanced Stats ]

The data demonstrates that the Suns are among the best in the league at both offensive and defensive efficiency, reinforcing the veteran’s confidence in the team’s competitiveness.

6. Future Outlook: Playoff Ambitions and Beyond

When asked about the long‑term vision, Paul didn’t shy away from a championship talk. “We’re not here for a single postseason; we’re building for a dynasty,” he said. The interview also touched on the 2024 NBA Draft and the Suns’ potential to add complementary pieces—highlighting the strategic focus on securing high‑impact rookies and role players.

Paul emphasized that the Suns’ playoff strategy would involve a “balanced attack: fast breaks, smart spacing, and disciplined defense,” all elements that have become the hallmark of their new system. He also expressed confidence in the coaching staff’s ability to adapt opponents’ game plans mid‑series—a crucial factor for deep playoff runs.

7. The Broader Impact: Phoenix Fans and the Community

Beyond on‑court performance, the article examined how the Suns’ new-look roster has revitalized the city’s basketball culture. The “Suns‑Fan Experience” segment noted an uptick in attendance, increased community engagement, and the launch of a “Suns Foundation” initiative that aligns with the team’s values of giving back.

Chris Paul, known for his philanthropic efforts, reinforced the importance of community involvement. “Basketball is more than a game in Phoenix. It’s a platform to inspire and uplift,” he said, citing his own foundation’s outreach to under‑served youth programs.

Conclusion

Chris Paul’s assessment of the Phoenix Suns as “super‑competitive” is not a simple hype mantra—it’s an informed projection backed by a comprehensive blend of roster synergy, coaching acumen, statistical superiority, and veteran leadership. The interview, coupled with the accompanying SI data and player insights, provides a robust framework for understanding why the Suns are poised to become a dominant force in the NBA.

As the regular season unfolds, fans will watch closely to see if the Suns can translate this potential into a playoff run and eventually, a championship. In the meantime, the veteran’s confidence serves as a powerful beacon for a city eager to see its team back in the national spotlight.