Chris Paul on James Harden: ‘Can’t nobody score the ball like he can’

One of the best point guards of all-time, Chris Paul, recently opened up about his time playing with his former teammate James Harden. The two spent two seasons playing alongside one another in 2017 and 2018. The all-star tandem made it as far as the Western Conference Finals, but fell short of advancing to the NBA Finals.

Gilbert Arenas, who was a certified bucket back in his day playing in the NBA, sat down with Paul on his show “No Chill with Gilbert Arenas” to reflect on their time together. Arenas admitted some truths to CP3 on why he believed they were unable to reach their peak:

“I remember when you were over in Houston and I said, ‘The only way they make it out is if James actually understands his gift and your gift.’ As a coach, you have to have that hard talk. And the hard talk is this, ‘James, up until the fourth quarter, last five minutes, it’s your game. The last five minutes, the ball is in CP’s hands.’”

Paul acknowledged Arenas’ comments and it made him regret not having these conversations with Harden. At the same time though, the Phoenix Suns guard made sure to give props to the Beard’s gift as a scorer:

“Can’t nobody score the ball like he can. It’s crazy man — I wouldn’t trade any experience or what not, but I wish we would have had more of those conversations.”