Open Thread: NBA ref says Chris Paul is historically one of the toughest players to handle

The little guard from Wake Forest has a temperament on the court that has made him famous

The NBA is s tough league. During the postseason, emotions get high, the game’s physicality goes up a notch. We all remember Nikola Jokic being ejected during a close out game for an excessive play during the 2021 playoffs.

Uncharacteristic as it was, Jokic —on of the chillest guys in the game— was sent into his summer on a Flagrant 2, but did his best to address his frustration, including making an apology before leaving the court,

Who, pray tell, is is one of the toughest guys in the league when dealing with the referees?

Former NBA ref Bill Spooner shared, “I get asked all the time: ‘Who are some of the tough guys, some of the bad guys?’ And when I tell them that Chris Paul, in my 32 years in the league, was one of the biggest a–holes I ever dealt with, they say, ‘Not Rasheed Wallace … or da-da-da’ Nope. Nothing like (Paul), And they are like, ‘Oh, he seems like such a nice guy.’ And I say, ‘Yeah, he’s a great image cultivator.’”

Paul has always showcased an amped side to his game. He is a court leader which makes him audible and visible during the game, and he is a master of getting to the foul line.

But what Spooner says holds water, especially for those watching Paul as opposition to their favorite team. Chris is no stranger to getting himself tangled with players. He has a way of initiating the contact so that he looks as if he is being mauled. When caught, he loves to argue.

Chris Paul turned 39-years-old earlier this month, and he is still being talked about as a viable candidate for a LeBron Lakers. He’s also a Twitter “X” favorite to go to the Spurs.

Not sure a guy turning 40 in the coming season is what a 20-year-old generational player needs, but curious as to your thoughts.

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