Chris Paul / Instagram Chris Paul and his father, Charles
For Phoenix Suns Point guard Chris PaulEspecially one, left an indelible mark on his life.
“Often I think kids will grow up with heroes, entertainers and athletes,” the NBA star told PEOPLE on a recent phone call. “But I’m 37 now. My dad is still the ultimate man and person I admire most.”
For the 12-time NBA All-Star Chris, his father, Charles Paul, was a solid pillar of support during his journey to the NBA and beyond.
“In the entertainment and sports world, you’re always being compared, told, and told, but the only person I still really really care about is my dad.” Chris, who starts him, says this fall, the 18th year of the league.
“It’s a kind of emotion,” he continues. “He was looking at every stage of my life and never wavered. He doesn’t always tell me what I want to hear, regardless of his achievements, but he’s always me. Father and I am grateful to him. “
As two fathers, Chris says he is trying to apply the lessons learned from his father to how he becomes a parent. It often involves giving his children “the most love you can show.”
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Despite his busy NBA schedule, Chris — who stock Christopher (13 years old) and Kamurin (9 years old) children and wife, Jada — He says it is essential to have time to enjoy with the family.
“My child is here,” says Chris, laughing on the phone. “Oh, I think it was a pandemic time. I’m trying to have as much fun here as I can. They’ll be eating in the corner of breakfast. [and] One Friday I just decided to add a moon to them and say “Good Mooning!”. “
But when he’s on the basketball court, Chris has a competitive edge that is unmatched by any other NBA player. He says that competitiveness is within his family and is fully demonstrated when playing golf, bowling and playing cards with his 61-year-old father.
Related: How NBA star Chris Paul uses his time at home to “train” his boy in basketball: “I Love It”
When they aren’t trying to outperform each other, Chris says, the pair knows the perfect way to relax.
“One of the things we want to do together is to eat,” says Chris, who has just been appointed ambassador to a plant-based food company. Just an egg..
“We love to eat together, so this plant-based lifestyle is so important,” he explains. “One of my favorites for a great and easy breakfast is just egg scramble with spinach or zucchini and onions.”
Health is one of the main reasons he wanted to introduce his father to a plant-based lifestyle, says Chris.
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“One day my dad told me that my uncle and all my aunts were taking blood pressure medication,” he recalls. “I knew it [a plant-based diet] May help address some cholesterol concerns. “
Chris doesn’t want to pressure anyone to switch to a particular diet, but “I feel it’s important to be open and proactive in just introducing one meal a day,” he says. increase.
That method worked for his father, Charles.
Related: Chris Paul throws a birthday party with the theme of his 13-year-old son’s sneakers
“I didn’t think I could do that,” Charles, who is also the father of a professional basketball player and the president of the men, tells PEOPLE.
“But the more he talks to me, the more I start making life changes, such as getting rid of dairy products,” he adds. “I remember being in Oklahoma once, and I had a case of soda and lots of candy bars,” he said, “Dad, you have to think about your health.” .. Then I put the candy bar and soda there and went home and started making changes. “
Chris tells people he plans to stick to a plant-based lifestyle for a long time — and he couldn’t be happy to share a journey with his father.
“Initially, my goals were performance and basketball, but if I find all the health benefits,” he says. “I know it’s something that sticks after my playing career.”
