06 July 2023 , 19:09
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Even though the Golden State Warriors already have a talented point guard in Stephen Curry, Draymond Green thinks that adding Chris Paul to the team will enhance their roster. According to Green, this move will bring back a missing piece of their offense that was crucial during their NBA championship victories in 2018, 2019, and 2022.
During the NBA off-season, Paul and the Phoenix Suns actively pursued various trade options. The organisation evaluated the possibility of waiving and stretching his contract or him being dealt away from the Suns. Eventually, he was traded to the Washington Wizards, alongside Landry Shamet, four first-round picks, and six second-round picks, in exchange for Bradley Beal. However, he was subsequently traded to the Warriors for Jordan Poole.
During a recent episode of the Podcast P show, hosted by Paul George of the LA Clippers, Green outlined three ways in which Chris Paul would benefit the team, despite concerns from the NBA community regarding the 38-year-old point guard's fit within the Warriors' offense, particularly as a starter.
"I think he brings a couple of things," said Green.
"Number 1, I thought last year…and Steph said this in his press conference, we ran out of variety. And what I mean about variety is that in a team, you need to have variety - Our team last year didn't have a variety of ways to score, and I think CP adds another thing to the menu to address the topic of a variety of ways to score."
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One important factor to consider is Paul's style of playing as a point guard. He takes on a more traditional role of setting the floor and distributing the basketball, which is different from modern guards who either shoot from three-point range or rely on their agility to get to the basket and either score or pass for an open shot.
"CP plays totally different than Steph, totally different than Klay, totally different than myself and Jordan Poole," Green continued. "I also thought last year, Steph and I got split up a lot, and me and Steph together we're dangerous. Our minutes were split because our second unit couldn't figure it out, and in turn, I got put into the second unit to help stabilize things."
"That's like 15 less minutes a game we're together. Well, now, CP can anchor that unit…and I think that is a big thing to helping unlock our team again… I'll tell you one more thing that I think it unlocks, and I look forward to learning this from him; I think Chris Paul will completely unlock Jonathan Kuminga and his growth. CP is great with young guys."
Draymond Green on the Podcast P showDuring the discussion, Green praised Paul's talent for transforming rim protectors into lob threats, which ultimately rewards their hard work and dedication on the offensive end. He also mentioned that Kuminga could become an All-Star player with Paul's guidance. Additionally, Green subtly compared Deandre Ayton's skills in this area.
"Deandre Ayton looked like a bust before Chris came to Phoenix. No disrespect but more of a compliment to CP, but people didn't know what Deandre Ayton would turn out to be, and suddenly he became an NBA All-Star level player. So what he will do for Jonathan Kuminga and unlocking him is huge. Absolutely huge! And I look forward to learning that from him."
The revamped Warriors team will have talented players like Kuminga and Moses Moody signed to team-friendly contracts, giving the organisation some flexibility in building a cohesive team. If Paul fails to help these players reach their full potential, the organisation can trade them for a player who fits better with the team's overall strategy and play style.
This team-building approach is common in professional sports, as teams always look for ways to improve and stay competitive. Ultimately, the Warriors' success will depend on how well the team can work together and execute on the court, regardless of who is on the roster.