Chris Paul‘s addition to the Golden State Warriors roster is already paying dividends. The veteran ball-handler has made a significant impact on his new team, both on the court and in the locker room. On Oct. 30, Paul came off the bench for the second straight game and helped lead a second unit with two rookie contributors playing heavy minutes.
After the game, Gary Payton II praised the impact Paul has had since being acquired in the summer. The seven-year veteran credited his new teammate’s defensive qualities and ability to be a locker-room leader and floor general.
“It’s Chris Paul, you can probably throw him into any team in the league, and he’ll help,” Payton II said. “He does what he does. He’s a leader. Playmaker, gets teams organized. He’s defensive-minded; that’s what I like about him. Me and him just talked about defense. And, young guys follow. Moses has been in the passing lanes and what not…On the other side, you know what to do, run out and look for the guys you need to look for.”
Paul’s addition has given the Warriors an elite guard rotation. Being able to bring a future Hall of Fame talent, who is also one of the best guards in the NBA, off the bench is a huge luxury that no other team in the league can match.
GP2 explains how CP3 is already paying huge dividends for the Warriors 🤝 pic.twitter.com/5gslPcrm6i
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) October 31, 2023
When Paul headed to the Bay Area, there was no question about what he could bring to the Warriors rotation from a basketball standpoint. It was whether he would buy into a potential bench role.
Early signs indicate Paul is willing to do whatever it takes to win a championship, especially in the final stages of his career. His best chance at adding a ring to his resume is by being a team player. So far, everything is trending in the right direction.
