Chris Paul has never come off the bench during his professional career.
He has played 1,214 regular season games during his time in the NBA, appearing in the first unit during each. No other active player has played more than 800 games without coming off the bench, per Stathead.
That could change this season, however, after he was traded to the Warriors in a move involving Jordan Poole. But when he was originally asked his thoughts about coming off the bench shortly after the trade, he seemed less than enthusiastic about the idea.
CP3 said that is a question he wouldn’t worry about until training camp.
Chris Paul on the starting lineup question: “I actually got the opportunity in ‘08 to come off the bench for the Olympic team. Anybody that knows me knows I’m all about winning.” pic.twitter.com/gd53p554AG
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) October 2, 2023
Now, after allowing some time to process the proposal, it seems his tone has changed (via The Athletic):
“For me, I actually got the opportunity in ‘08 to come off the bench for the Olympic team. That went pretty well. Anybody that knows me knows I’m all about winning. Whatever I can do to help our team win. […] We’ve been hooping all summer and I think for the season, it’s going to be whatever to help the team win. I’ve tried to show and prove that my entire career.”
Golden State had the best five-man lineup in the league with Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, Andrew Wiggins and Kevon Looney last season.
Paul could provide a stabilizing force and a change of pace in the second unit during the minutes when Curry is not on the court.
Green, however, will miss the start of the season and is out between four to six weeks due to an ankle sprain. As such, CP3 is likely to start the season in the first unit alongside Curry, Thompson, Wiggins and Looney until Green is able to return.
But once Green is healthy, if they keep CP3 in the first five, Looney is likely the most obvious candidate to move into the second unit as Golden State may opt to play small ball.
