Chris Paul, a legendary 38-year-old point guard, is far from the big-name asset that Warriors fans were hoping for this summer, but the early signs are positive as the team prepares to start a fresh season. While many questions and doubts have surfaced about Paul’s fit with Golden State, the veteran point guard has unwavering confidence in his ability to adjust.
“I’ve been playing basketball for a long time. Everybody gonna have something to say about ball movement and this and that, but I’ve been fortunate enough in this league to play with the ball in my hands. Just because I play like that doesn’t mean I don’t know how to play without it. Luckily I played in college where they put a bubble on the goal coaches played where you couldn’t pass the ball, you had to set flares and backscreens. I ain’t forget how to do that. I still know how to play… when you got more people like that, you have more options.”
“I didn’t forget how to [play basketball].
Chris Paul isn’t worried about fitting well into this Warriors offensive system.
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Paul was traded to the Warriors as part of the deal that sent Jordan Poole to the Washington Wizards. At the time, the Warriors and first-year GM Mike Duleavy Jr. were roasted for giving up their prized young scorer for a has-been point guard past his prime. And while plenty of doubters still exist, it seems Paul will start off playing a prominent role for Golden State this season.
Chris Paul’s Starting Status Unclear
Currently, it is still unknown what the rotation will look like for the Warriors this season. While we know that Steph, Klay, Draymond, and Andrew Wiggins are all locks for the starting lineup, Steve Kerr has not revealed if Paul will join them to open games or if he will come off the bench to back up Curry and Klay.
After some initial resistance from Chris on coming off the bench, it seems he is ready to embrace whatever decision Steve Kerr makes about his role. “I actually got the opportunity in ‘08 to come off the bench for the Olympic team,” Paul said. “Anybody who knows me knows I’m all about winning. Whatever I can do to help our team win.”
With averages of 13.9 points, 8.9 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game on 44% shooting, the 12x All-Star certainly showed his age as he battled various injuries throughout the season. By the time the postseason began, he barely had anything left in the tank to help Devin Booker and Kevin Durant. Only time will tell what he’s able to do for the Warriors, but this may be his best chance yet to capture his first championship.
Can Warriors Bounce Back After 2023 Playoff Loss?
Coming off a wild season of drama and disappointment, Golden State is hoping for more consistency than they showed all throughout the 2022-23 campaign. With Paul instead of Poole, the hope is that the team chemistry can return and they can re-take their place at the top of the standings. On paper, it’s hard to bet against Curry, Klay, Draymond, and Chris Paul but it remains to be seen if they have enough to beat teams like the Nuggets, Lakers, and Suns.
As always, the key to success for the Warriors is all about Steph Curry but they’ll need Chris Paul to step up as well to fill the hole left by Poole’s departure. If Paul can hold down the fort as a Warrior, and maximize his off-ball skills, there’s a chance that it may unlock something special for the team this upcoming season.
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