Is Chris Paul retiring after Suns' meltdown, exit from the NBA playoffs?
It was the biggest question in the building after the Phoenix Suns were upended 123-90 by the Dallas Mavericks: Was this the last time Chris Paul will take the NBA court?
Rumors regarding the future of Paul's playing career have been swirling all season. But with Phoenix's dismal performance in Game 7 and exit from the NBA playoffs, it's fair to wonder if Paul is in fact ready to retire.
According to Paul himself, though, that's not happening just yet.
"I'm not retiring tomorrow, thank God," Paul said, via ESPN. "Hopefully, I'm healthy coming back. But I'm [going to] keep playing."
His health is certainly one reason his critics are calling for him to retire. Paul played through a quad issue that noticeably bothered him in the latter part of the series. His health has definitely factored into people's opinions on whether he should retire, given how easily he gets banged up these days.
But Paul's stats also took a dip as Phoenix went from taking a 2-0 series lead over Dallas to then losing four straight contests. He averaged 23.5 points and had just two turnovers through the first two games, then posted 9.4 points and 3.6 turnovers.
To be fair, Paul's teammates didn't fare so well in those final four games, either — the spotlight just shines a little brighter on the veteran point guard. Therefore, his most recent downfall is perhaps the biggest reason many think Paul should retire at this point.
But, at least for the moment, CP3 doesn't appear ready to hang up his kicks just yet.
"You play long enough and you don't win, every time you lose, they're going to say it was your best chance," Paul said. "But I think for me, us, it's we'll be right back next year. I'll tell you that much."
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