Getty Image / Christian Petersen
Chris Paul is one of the best players in the history of the NBA to not have an NBA title. But, he thinks it could happen with the Golden State Warriors this year, as he “feels sorry” for the teams that have to play them.
The twelve-time all-star and eleven-time All-NBA selection joined the Warriors in a series of trades that ended up sending Bradley Beal to the Phoenix Suns and Jordan Poole and others to the Washington Wizards. And, it may be his last chance at a ring.
The 38-year-old finally showed real signs of aging last season, as he averaged a career-low 13.9 points per game on inefficient shooting. And, after being one of the league’s best perimeter defenders, he’s more of a liability than ever before on that end. The Phoenix Suns clearly wanted to part ways.
But, he’s joining a Warriors team that could conceivably win a title. The 2022 NBA Champions still have Steph Curry at the peak of his powers. Klay Thompson and Draymond Green, while aging, are still good pieces, and Andrew Wiggins has blossomed in San Francisco. Kevon Looney has come on strong as an elite rebounder, and young players Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody are probably the x-factors for this team going forward.
Still, it’s a team that was never particularly close to winning a title last season. Adding Paul is good, but sportsbooks still have them around 15-1 to win the championship. That doesn’t matter to Paul, who thinks they’re going to be awesome. Here’s Sports Illustrated with more.
When talking about his potential on-court chemistry with Green, Paul admitted that he felt “sorry for the other teams” that will be up against the Warriors in the 2023-24 NBA season.
“Yeah, Draymond is uhh … I feel sorry for the other teams that’s got to play against both of us. Because he’s always been very vocal, as I am. I’ve always thrived with guys like that,” said Paul.
Two of the most animated players in the league, Green and Paul have the potential to form a rather frustrating partnership for Golden State’s opponents.
“I think when you compete against a team for so long and so hard that you have to have some type of appreciation for them, and the way that they play and the way that they share the ball and the selflessness of all the different guys on the team,” said Paul of joining the Warriors.
I’m not sure that the league should be scared of the 2023–2024 versions of Draymond Green and Chris Paul. Referees, however, should probably get some ear plugs.