Chris Paul has been impressive throughout the preseason. The veteran guard has already begun to show why the Golden State Warriors acquired him in the summer. However, some lingering questions remain about his ability to successfully operate in an off-ball role. Yet, those concerns aren’t shared by Paul.
In a recent Sirius XM NBA Radio appearance, Paul cut a confident figure when asked about playing without the ball in his hands. The veteran guard noted how he undertook a similar role during his collegiate days and hasn’t forgotten how to play that style of basketball. Paul believes he can thrive in Steve Kerr‘s motion-based offense.
“I’ve been playing basketball a long time,” Paul said. “Everybody gonna have to say what they gotta say about ball movement. … Luckily, I played in college, where they put a bubble on the goal. And coaches played where you couldn’t pass the ball, you had to set flares and back screens. I didn’t forget how to do that. I still know how to play, whether it’s the flex or anything like that. Just move. Obviously, there’s a little more cutting now compared to my other teams. Because I couldn’t cut, I had to get the ball. So when you got more people like this, it just gives you more options.”
Paul’s role will likely be subject to change throughout the year. During Golden State’s preseason schedule, Kerr utilized the veteran as a starter and a bench player. Nevertheless, Paul made an impact when on the court, especially when organizing the offense down the stretch.
“I didn’t forget how to [play basketball].
Chris Paul isn’t worried about fitting well into this Warriors offensive system.
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Paul will have a big role to play this season. His impact could be a genuine difference-maker for the Warriors. If he isn’t worried about his ability to play off-ball, maybe we shouldn’t be either.
