Chris Paul told NBA writer Jonathan Givony of ESPN that he’s “excited” to figure out his role with the Golden State Warriors.
The Warriors traded Jordan Poole to the Washington Wizards for Paul, who is one of the greatest point guards in NBA history. Golden State is expected to start Paul, Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins and Draymond Green next season.
“I’m excited about Steph, Draymond, Klay, all the different guys, Wigs [Andrew Wiggins],” Paul said. “I’m excited for us to get together and see what it looks like. It’s just crazy how life works. But when it comes to basketball, I’m probably closest to my happiest. I’m obviously happiest when I’m with my family, but basketball is my safe haven; it’s been that way for a long time.”
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Chris Paul & Golden State Warriors Updates
“At this point in the summer, I can’t even start to even digest that [playing for the Warriors] even a little bit until we all get together. I won’t know [my role] until we get to camp. In all honesty, probably the same thing it’s always been, to hoop, leadership. With all these years of playing, the game doesn’t change so much. I’m excited to sort of figure that out.”
Paul averaged 13.9 points, 4.3 rebounds and 8.9 assists last season for the Phoenix Suns while shooting 44.0% from the field, 37.5% from beyond the arc and 83.1% from the free-throw line. The Suns traded Paul to the Wizards in the Bradley Beal trade and then Washington dealt him to Golden State. Paul was on a plane to New York when Phoenix traded him. He was then playing basketball at his gym in North Carolina when the Warriors acquired him.
Paul is 38 and no longer a superstar in the NBA. However, he can focus on passing with the Warriors since Curry, Thompson and Wiggins will be the primary scorers.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Chris Paul & Golden State Warriors Updates
It’s going to be strange to see Paul play for the Warriors. In 2018, Paul’s fake laugh at head coach Steve Kerr went viral on social media. Most recently, Curry told Paul, “This ain’t 2014 no more” during a matchup against the Suns in March.
However, Paul is looking forward to being on the other side of his rivalry with the Warriors.
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