What once looked like a well-drawn-out future plan for the Golden State Warriors came crumbling down in last season’s playoffs. This offseason, Jordan Poole was traded to the Washington Wizards in a surprising move after his underwhelming showing in the Dubs’ recently concluded postseason campaign. The Warriors traded the young star for veteran Chris Paul, even after GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. had said that JP was their future. However, no matter how controversial the move, fans wouldn’t be surprised if the Bay Area team wins another chip this year with the Point God. Stephen Curry recently explained how having CP in the squad helps their cause.
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Stephen Curry was on Gil’s Arenas podcast recently where he spoke about the CP3 trade. Despite the fact that Poole’s departure puts the Dubs’ future in question, Paul’s presence on the roster can give them a legitimate chance to win a championship now. It has been close to two months since the Warriors traded for CP3 but Curry recently revealed that there have been no team meetings since the trade.
Stephen Curry details Chris Paul’s impact on the Warriors’ roster
Curry was on Gil’s Arena podcast and spoke in length about having a player of Paul’s caliber on the team. When asked about the impact of having the former Suns player on the roster, Curry said that the primary contribution from the point God would come in terms of leadership and veteran input. He also added that Paul would be an excellent bridge between different lineups that the Warriors are going to use going into games. Curry told the crew:
“It’s one of those things where you have a guy that understands how to play basketball. He has elevated teams that he’s been on his entire carer and even at this stage, like what he did in Phoenix when he’s been there. I know they, you know, didn’t accomplish the goal but they were better because of his leadership, his ability to manage the flow of games…He connects a lot of lineups for us in terms of being able to help some of the young guys to figure out what it means to play winning basketball…He’s a great leader in terms of his communication, he’s going to get on you, he is going to overcommunicate.”
Previously, Draymond Green had spoken about Paul having an impact on young players like Jonathan Kuminga and utilizing him in the lineup. Curry also reiterated Paul’s impact on Kuminga, teaching the youngster how to run pick-and-rolls efficiently. However, it is still unclear whether CP would come off the bench or be on the starting lineup. While having two point guards on the floor is highly unlikely, his presence can also take the load off of Curry during the game, especially when he’s not on the court.
Draymond Green admitted that he tried to create a divide between Curry and CP3
Draymond Green was on All the Smoke podcast in 2020. While speaking to Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson, the 2017 Defensive Player of the Year said that he was deliberately trying to keep Curry away from Paul. He also revealed that, despite Paul actively trying to keep Steph at bay, the latter didn’t know anything that was going on in the background.
Green added that the Chef has no street part in him and that is why he took it upon himself to create a division between them. Draymond is everything but a bad teammate, so it would be interesting to see how Green and CP gel together when they finally step on the court.
