Take one look at Warriors guard Chris Paul's career statistics, and two numbers immediately stick out: 1,214 games played, 1,214 games started across an illustrious 18-year career.
Even Lakers forward LeBron James—a frequent comparison point for Paul in terms of sheer durability—has come off the bench twice in his NBA career.
However, Paul's remarkable run of starting lineup appearances may be coming to a close, as Shams Charania of The Athletic reported Tuesday morning that “there is a level of momentum of [Paul] coming off the bench” with Golden State.
“I think Steve Kerr has had a lot of conversations with Chris Paul. I think they’re both on the same page when you think about trying to figure out his best role,” Charania said on FanDuel’s Run It Back. “I think there is a level of momentum to him coming off the bench, and then you have a guy like Jonathan Kuminga or Gary Payton II start to try to get some size in there.”
“I think there is a level of momentum of [CP3] coming off the bench”@ShamsCharania on Chris Paul willing to play whatever role is necessary for him and the Warriors 🤝@ChandlerParsons | @TeamLou23 | @MichelleDBeadle | @FanDuelTV pic.twitter.com/ulhe0xKp5M
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) October 24, 2023
“Chris Paul, he’s shown in the preseason he’s willing to come off the bench and willing to play whatever role is necessary for him,” Charania added. “The Warriors, they know they have a good thing going with Kevon Looney and Draymond Green when he’s healthy.”
The Warriors acquired the 38-year-old Paul from the Wizards on July 6 in exchange for a package centered around guard Jordan Poole. Much has been made this offseason of Golden State's vaunted core aging; guard Stephen Curry, guard Klay Thompson and forward Draymond Green are 35, 33 and 33 respectively.
The Warriors open their season Tuesday night against the Suns in San Francisco.
