Heading into next season, the Golden State Warriors guard rotation will look considerably different. Since being knocked out of the playoffs by the Los Angeles Lakers, the Warriors have added Chris Paul and, more recently, Cory Joseph.
Joseph spent last season with the Detroit Pistons, playing in 62 regular-season games, averaging 6.9 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 3.5 assists, shooting 42.7% from the field and 38.9% from 3-point range.
During a recent interview with Bleacher Report’s Jason Dumas, Joseph discussed his decision to join the Warriors, revealing some of their recruitment pitch.
“Coach Kerr, before everything got signed and everything was, you know, sealed. So he was just telling me basically, like, ‘look over here, you know, if you’ve been watching us, you know the culture over here, and we need somebody like you that is not [an] entitled person.’ That’s how the culture is over there. It’s selfless, and it’s all about winning. ‘So we would love to have you.’ It was a brief conversation and wasn’t crazy in-depth. We would love to have you over here. And that was just about it.”
Sat down with Cory Joseph on Tuesday morning for a @kron4news exclusive.
Discussed how he was recruited to the Dubs, his role, and the excitement he has coming to the Bay.
Full interview at 10:45p on KRON4. pic.twitter.com/kmF504svGz
— Jason Dumas (@JDumasReports) July 4, 2023
With Steph Curry and Chris Paul also on the roster, Joseph will likely comprise a backup role for the Warriors next season, giving the team some elite depth at the point guard position.
Cory Joseph isn't concerned about his role
During the discussion with Dumas, Joseph revealed that he did hold a brief conversation with Steve Kerr and Mike Dunleavy regarding a potential role. However, Joseph also noted how he isn’t concerned with playing time and understands the talent that’s in front of him in the rotation.
“I mean, we didn’t talk too much about roles because, honestly, as a basketball player, going into my 13th year, I kind of let that just play out for itself,” Joseph said. “It’s my job to go in there and just help the team win whatever way I can, to be honest with you. Whether that’s behind the scenes, I feel like I do a lot of stuff that doesn’t get on the stat sheets usually and affects winning…
So we didn’t get too big into roles, but I know they have, obviously, Steph Curry and CP there, which is going to be great. I look at it as a great opportunity for me to learn from those two guys because they’re in my position and some of the best to ever do it.”
Joseph has spent the majority of his career as a starting-caliber point guard, so it may be an adjustment for him to go from starting 60 games last season to being one of the Warriors’ deep rotation guys for the upcoming year.
Cory Joseph has some relationships with members of the Warriors roster
As a 13-year NBA veteran, Cory Joseph has relationships with multiple players around the league. As discussed with Dumas, Joseph has a longstanding relationship with Andrew Wiggins and also knows Draymond Green, Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Chris Paul.
“Wiggins, obviously, he’s from Toronto. I played Team Canada with him. Actually known Wiggins since he was yay high,” Joseph said. “Draymond, I know him, obviously. Klay [Thompson]. When you’ve been in the league, you know, for as long as they have and we have. And, CP. We played against these guys. But I’m looking forward to getting to know them just like I said, outside of basketball as well.”
With so many pre-existing relationships, Joseph will likely have no problem settling with the Warriors and adjusting to life in the Bay Area.
Corey Joseph sends a message to Warriors fans
In the final of Joseph’s interview with Dumas, the veteran guard sent a message to Warriors fans, noting how he’s excited to be playing in front of them in the upcoming season.
“I’m super excited at the play in front of the fans, bro. They got great fans, trust me. I’ve been going down there getting yelled at for so long, so now I’m happy that they’re on my side.”
Hopefully, Joseph can give the Warriors fans plenty to cheer for when he’s afforded playing time next season – especially if he helps take them back to the NBA Finals.
