The Golden State Warriors decision to trade for Chris Paul was apparently an attempt to fix a very specific problem last season, as head coach Steve Kerr explained this week.
Heading into the summer, the Golden State Warriors knew they were not the same team that won an NBA championship in 2022 and a shakeup to the roster was necessary if they hoped to get back to that lofty status. However, how they would go about adjusting the roster was unclear.
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The organization had one of the most bloated payrolls in the sport and some contracts that would be difficult to move. Furthermore, they had to find a way to make more salary cap space so they could make sure they retained the services of team great Draymond Green.
Well, in June they found a way to kill two birds with one stone via a surprise blockbuster trade with the Washington Wizards. In the deal, the Warriors shipped off talented but erratic bench star Jordan Poole and acquired future Hall-of-Famer Chris Paul. They also freed up space to fit in Green’s new deal without increasing their luxury tax.
Golden State Warriors record (’22-’23): 44-38
Considering the upside in Poole’s game after helping the team win a title two seasons ago, and Paul’s age and declining skills, the trade seemed a confusing one for Golden State. However, during a Wednesday appearance on ESPN’s “NBA Today,” Warriors head coach Steve Kerr explained the purpose behind his addition and the role he foresees for the 12-time All-Star.
“One of the things I told Chris was, we have to be more controlled this year. Last year, we were No. 29 in the league in turnovers. In other words, second-worst in the league, but we had the fastest pace in the league. That’s not a great combination. And one of the things I love about Chris is that he controls games. And, so I told him we need his ability to control the game at key times for us.
“I kind of like the idea of finding a better balance this year and being more under control, but still being, you know, really lethal offensively. And then of course, you know what Chris does in pick and roll and his midrange game, he always gives you a chance in every possession to get a good shot. And he’s, you know, one of the great point guards of all time.”
– Steve Kerr
While still surprising considering the ball handlers the team already has, it is hard to deny the greatness of Paul as a point guard that can lead an offense. Furthermore, the Golden State Warriors also have the type of elite shooters that don’t necessarily have to have the ball in their hands to be deadly.