Chris Paul has been a defensive force throughout his career. The veteran guard has made seven All-Defensive First-Teams and two All-Defensive Second-Teams during his time in the NBA. As such, the star guard understands what it takes to have a high-level defense. Since joining the Golden State Warriors, Paul has begun to take on a leadership role on the defensive side of the floor.
As such, Paul has helped to ease the loss of Draymond Green, who has missed the first few games of the season due to injury. When speaking to the media following the Warriors’ Oct. 27 victory over the Sacramento Kings, Paul credited Gary Payton II and Jonathan Kuminga for their performances on the defensive end. Paul noted how the two role players play a key part in their team’s defensive identity.
“I played against this team a lot,” Paul said. “But you gotta realize GP is the guy who used to guard me when I played them. JK is the guy who guarded me. I like defense. I really enjoy defense. I’m a little older now, but I’m nine-time All-Defense. So, with our defenders, I’m constantly talking to them, letting them know ‘you’re not on your own. You guard, but we’re gonna help you.’ Even the championships they won here, yes, Steph, Klay, they can go off, but I feel like it was their defense.”
Paul has a reputation for raising the ceiling of younger talent. He’s also known for helping guide his team to a new level on both sides of the floor. It would seem Paul is already making a significant impact on the defensive efforts of the role players and is helping them become integral members of the roster’s defensive framework.
CP3 believes GP2 and JK can be a big part of the Warriors' defensive identify 🔒 pic.twitter.com/9DUlAYgAN4
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) October 28, 2023
Golden State will hope Paul’s positive impact on the defensive end continues to pay dividends. They will also be boosted by Green’s impending return to the rotation, likely seeing their defense go up another notch.
