- The Warriors stunned the basketball world by trading for Chris Paul this offseason
- Owner Joe Lacob admitted he wasn’t sure about the move at first
- Lacob warmed to the idea as time went on
There were many doubts raised when the Golden State Warriors traded for Chris Paul, and it turns out even owner Joe Lacob had some when he first heard of it. Lacob was recently on The TK Show, where he addressed what was probably the most surprising move of the offseason.
“Chris Paul, when I first heard that and thought about it, it was, like, really? Seems highly unlikely we would do that,” Lacob said. “But the more we thought about it, the more we considered our options, the more we realized, hey, he’s a great player, always has made other people better. He hasn’t won a championship, maybe he can do that with our group. It would be a helluva storybook ending to his career, or near-ending, if he were able to do that with us.”
It certainly would be quite a story if Paul wins a title with the Warriors. Lacob also admitted it is a short-term move from the franchise to acquire the 38-year-old Paul.
“We kind of warmed to that idea and the more we processed it the more we thought it really made sense — at least for the short-to-intermediate term,” Lacob stated.
It was clear with this move that the Warriors are trying to maximize their chances of winning titles with their Big 3 of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. They tried this two-timeline approach last season and realized they had to stick with one.
How effective Paul will be is a big question, though. The 12-time All-Star had a down season in 2022-23, with averages of 13.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, 8.9 assists, 1.5 steals, and 0.4 blocks per game.
It is also uncertain what role he is going to have with the team, as there is a real possibility he won’t start. Paul has played 1,363 games without coming off the bench in his NBA career, and that adjustment is going to be difficult for him as well.
Steve Kerr Explained What Chris Paul Brings To The Warriors
Many continue to wonder how Paul fits with the Warriors, considering the contrast in styles. He has always had the ball in his hands and plays at a slower pace, while the Warriors preach ball movement and a fast pace.
Head coach Steve Kerr explained the Warriors needed Paul, as they became too one-dimensional in the playoffs. Kerr says the team needed another way to attack on offense, and Paul gives them that.
Kerr also praised Paul for being a terrific competitor and for controlling games by being three steps ahead of the opposition.
Chris Paul Didn’t Think He’d Ever Play For The Warriors
As for Paul himself, he never believed this day would ever come. Paul was asked if he’d have believed someone who told him when he was with the Rockets and Clippers that he’d be a Warrior someday. Paul stated he never thought he would play for the Warriors.
Don’t think many would have believed this would ever happen. Paul fiercely competed with the Warriors for much of the last decade, but he is now focused on helping them win another championship.
Paul thinks he will adjust well after training camp with the Warriors, and it’ll be interesting to see how this whole situation pans out.
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