Morgantown, West Virginia – It was announced today that Phoenix Suns superstar point guard Chris Paul is out indefinitely due to the COVID protocol.
Paul, 36, entered the NBA’s health and safety protocols and is sidelined for an indefinite period of time, which means he will likely miss some or all of the western conference finals.
While this is terrible news for the Suns, it gives former West Virginia Mountaineers guard Jevon Carter a real opportunity to step up and shine in his absence.
Carter has only played in 18 minutes in ten postseason games, totaling 4 points, 3 assists and 2 rebounds on 2-7 from the field and 0-2 from three point range during the Suns first two series in the 2021 NBA Playoffs against the Los Angeles Lakers and the Denver Nuggets.
However, his playing time is expected to increase significantly in a reserve role behind new presumed starter Cameron Payne.
Carter has shown that he is capable of being a valuable contributor for the team. In the final regular season game of the season, Carter finished with 19 points, 10 rebounds and 9 assists in 43 minutes in a 123-121 victory over the San Antonio Spurs while the Suns’ starters rested for the playoffs.
Now, he will have a chance of a lifetime to prove himself on the biggest stage of all, the western conference finals in the 2021 NBA Playoffs. The Suns are awaiting the winner of the Los Angeles Clippers versus Utah Jazz series, which is currently tied 2-2.
Winning a NBA championship ring in only his third professional season would be an absolutely amazing accomplishment for the West Virginia legend!
Breaking: Chris Paul's status is up in the air for the start of the Western Conference Finals after entering the NBA's health & safety protocols.
An isolation period could be shorter for a vaccinated individual depending on the medical circumstance.
Sources tell @ShamsCharania. pic.twitter.com/qfIlTssGfc
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) June 16, 2021
