Ranking 10 NBA stars returning from injury by playoff importance

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 14: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors in action against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on December 14, 2021 in New York City. The Warriors defeated the Knicks 105-96. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

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PHOENIX, ARIZONA – FEBRUARY 10: Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns watches a play during the second half against the Milwaukee Bucks at Footprint Center on February 10, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns beat the Bucks 131-107. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) /

NBA star injury returns: No. 2 – Chris Paul

Smaller guards don’t age well. That’s what we’ve always been told. Indeed it proved true for players such as Isiah Thomas way back when, or more recently the Deron Williams and Jameer Nelsons of the world. Yet Chris Paul, all 72 inches of him, is continuing to put up All-NBA campaigns, despite turning 37 during this year’s postseason.

The hope is that Paul can return for those playoffs after suffering a thumb fracture in February. The initial timetable places him getting back right at the start of the playoffs. He is critical to what the league-leading Phoenix Suns do, orchestrating the offense and being a wily pest on defense.

Phoenix is 53-14, the league’s best record by 7.5 games. Paul is at the heart of it, averaging 14.9 points and a league-best 10.7 assists per game. He has continued to find a few free throws per game despite the decrease in calling “foul-drawing” moves, of which Paul is a master.

With Paul, the Suns are likely the title favorites. Without Paul, they are simply a good team, one that continues to rack up wins but will not win it all without him.