Suns (37-9) @ Jazz (30-18) , Wed 01/26/2022

[Split T]

Ya Book vs Paul is a toss-up. Paul is the consistent stabilizing force that is the number one reason for our team culture(amongst players). He’s our floor raiser. Book is our ceiling raiser. He’s the one who makes us a title contender. He’s less consistent and prone to dry spells, but he puts more fear into the defense than Paul.

I think we’d probably have a better record if we lost Booker and kept Paul, but we’d be less dangerous as a playoff opponent if that makes sense. So trade out Book for a league average SG and we’re probably a 4 seed that could win 1 series. Trade CP3 out for a league average PG and we’re probably a 6 seed that could lose in 5 in the first round or go to the conference championship game.

[The Bobster]

I think what Booker brings to the team is a little more replaceable than what Paul brings to the team. Star players with leadership qualities like Paul has are pretty rare. I don't know if there's another star player in the league who does that as well.

[Split T]

What’s a better team?

Conley/Booker/Bridges/Crowder/Ayton or

Paul/Bane/Bridges/Crowder/Ayton

[Flagrant Fowl]

I really like Bane and I think there's a chance he gets to Booker's level even if he's behind him on the development curve, but I'd probably go with the Conley/Booker combo.

The part of this hypothetical that I find difficult is evaluating Booker without Chris Paul's influence on his development. Booker has been so much more poised and methodical since Paul joined the Suns.

[Aztec Sunsfan]

I really like Bane and I think there's a chance he gets to Booker's level even if he's behind him on the development curve, but I'd probably go with the Conley/Booker combo.

The part of this hypothetical that I find difficult is evaluating Booker without Chris Paul's influence on his development. Booker has been so much more poised and methodical since Paul joined the Suns.

Completely agreed. Ayton as well.

Since last season, media started talking about Paul as an Ayton whisperer, but he also did wonders on Booker, showing him how to keep poise and change his kobe-ball style and trust his teammates (granted, Booker was never surrounded by this depth of talent, but still). They are a two headed monster backcourt now, and opposing defenses don’t know who’s going to hammer them, either by shooting or by setting up teammates.

[Split T]

There are some things about Booker that have improved with Paul, but I still feel like his '19-'20 season might be his best overall. Rubio also helped him greatly and that was easily his best efficiency season. That plus the added playmaking responsibility pushes his numbers up a bit.

[JeremyG]

For some reason, though, I feel like Booker is the way more likely Finals MVP candidate than Paul.

[Indy]

For some reason, though, I feel like Booker is the way more likely Finals MVP candidate than Paul.

I think Booker would be more likely to be most impactful. But I just don't see the voters not giving it to CP3 unless he wasn't his usual self.

[Split T]

For some reason, though, I feel like Booker is the way more likely Finals MVP candidate than Paul.

I think Booker would be more likely to be most impactful. But I just don't see the voters not giving it to CP3 unless he wasn't his usual self.

Probably have to be like last years finals…Booker was outplaying Paul and had we snuck out wins in 2 of those final 4, I think Booker would have gotten it.

[JeremyG]

For some reason, though, I feel like Booker is the way more likely Finals MVP candidate than Paul.

I think Booker would be more likely to be most impactful. But I just don't see the voters not giving it to CP3 unless he wasn't his usual self.

Probably have to be like last years finals…Booker was outplaying Paul and had we snuck out wins in 2 of those final 4, I think Booker would have gotten it.

Yeah, that's probably what I was going off of. Booker had the 40-point games in close losses in Games 4 & 5. If we win those games, he would be the Finals MVP.