Golden State Warriors guard Chris Paul will have surgery next week after fracturing his left hand in Friday night’s 113-109 victory over the visiting Detroit Pistons.
The team made the announcement following the game.
There is no timetable for the 38-year-old Paul’s return, though he is expected to return this season.
Paul, a 19-year NBA veteran, suffered the injury with 6:06 remaining in the third quarter when he collided with the Pistons’ Jaden Ivey while pursuing a rebound.
“That’s tough,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr told reporters after the game. “I feel so bad for Chris. I know he’s had a couple of hand surgeries before, I believe, maybe on the other hand. I saw him holding it and instantly was worried. Just got the word after walking off the floor. So, I feel terrible for Chris, and obviously, guys will step up and be ready to play. We’ve got to hold down the fort without him.”
Paul is no stranger to injuries, particularly to his hands. He’s had five injuries to his left hand and six to his right, according to ESPN. He’s also had four hand or wrist surgeries, including his left wrist after the 2021 NBA Finals.
“I just feel bad for him,” teammate Stephen Curry said. “I know he’s been through some hand stuff in his career. We are trying to find a groove as a team … and he’s been such a huge part of that.”
In 31 games prior to Friday, Paul was averaging 9.0 points, 7.3 assists and 27.7 minutes per game in his first season with Golden State.
A 12-time All-Star, Paul was the No. 4 overall pick in the 2005 draft by the New Orleans Hornets.
Over his 19 seasons with the Hornets (2005-11), Los Angeles Clippers (2011-17), Houston Rockets (2017-19), Oklahoma City Thunder (2019-20), Phoenix Suns (2020-23) and Warriors, Paul has averaged 17.7 points, 9.4 assists and 4.5 rebounds while shooting 47.1 percent from the field.
–Field Level Media