The Golden State Warriors shocked the NBA when they traded Jordan Poole to acquire Chris Paul earlier this summer. By adding the veteran, Golden State has created a fearsome guard rotation that will unlock even the sternest of NBA defenses. However, upon the trade being made official, questions immediately began to be raised regarding Paul’s role on a Warriors team that already has Steph Curry leading the charge.
According to Klay Thompson, who was speaking during a recent appearance on the ‘Podcast P with Paul George’ podcast, which is Presented by Wave Sports + Entertainment, the Warriors are ‘lucky’ to have Paul. Thompson went on to note how Paul has elevated every team that he’s played for throughout his career – which suggests Thompson believes the future Hall of Famer will have a similar impact on the Warriors.
“I mean, we’re lucky,” Thompson said. “He’s one of the greatest players ever. He’s top 75. He’s elevated every franchise he’s ran the point for. As a shooter, I’m excited. I just know CP’s gonna put it right here, on the seams, he’s gonna set me up nice, imma get a couple of extra easy buckets every night. And he’s a winner. I’ve played against him so many times, you see how competitive he is. He’ll do anything to win. That’s the vibe we want.”
“We’re lucky, he [Chris Paul] is one of the greatest players ever.”
Full episode with Klay dropping tomorrow!
📺: https://t.co/GCGcr9eIed
🎧: https://t.co/zKOy0qnJv5 pic.twitter.com/S0wdOSMQMC— Podcast P with Paul George (@PodcastPShow) August 6, 2023
Recently, Steve Kerr noted how he will wait until training camp to make a decision on Paul’s role with the team. Yet, regardless of whether he’s in the starting line-up or coming off the bench, it’s clear that Golden State has seriously upgraded their guard depth.
If Golden State can figure out their chemistry and put last season’s struggles behind them, Paul’s addition should help push the franchise toward another championship banner. After all, Joe Lacob has been vocal about maximizing the final few years of the Warriors’ All-Star core.