During a media scrum Sunday, new Golden State Warriors point guard Chris Paul gave a surprising update on what his role will be with the team.
It has been a roller coaster ride over the last few months for future Hall-of-Famer Chris Paul. He was a key part of a Phoenix Suns team that many thought could be a serious contender for an NBA title this spring. Then, as has often been the case for him during his career, he got injured early in the playoffs and never suited up again before the Suns were eliminated in the semifinals.
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Due to his declining production and injury history, there were rumblings soon after the season ended that his days in Phoenix were numbered. Those rumors proved to be accurate when the organization traded him to the Washington Wizards in a blockbuster deal that saw Bradley Beal head to Phoenix to join Kevin Durant and Devin Booker.
However, after the trade, it was always assumed that there was a chance his rights could be on the move again. The most prominent speculation was that he was likely headed to one of the Los Angeles teams since both were reportedly interested and he makes the city his offseason home. Well, he was traded to California in June, but not to one of the LA teams.
Golden State Warriors have not informed Chris Paul about his role
In a surprise move, the Golden State Warriors traded bench ace Jordan Poole and several other players and trade assets for the well-aged NBA legend. To many league observers, the move was peculiar since the Warriors already have two All-Star guards in their backcourt. Over the weekend, Paul spoke about his potential role with the team by pretty much admitting even he doesn’t know what it will be at this point.
- Chris Paul career stats: 13.9 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 8.9 APG, 1.5 SPG, 37% 3PT
Paul surprisingly revealed that he hasn’t spoken to Golden State Warriors teammates or even head coach Steve Kerr about what his role will be on the star-studded club or whether he’ll even come off the bench — which seems to be the likely plan but is something he’s never done in his 18-year NBA career.
It is stunning considering his stature in the sport that the organization has no reached out and let him know what they have in mind for him. However, it could also be an example of how far his status and influence in the league have fallen in recent seasons due to his declining play.