In June, the Golden State Warriors pulled off a shock commerce to land future Corridor of Famer Chris Paul, which instantly led to questions on how he would slot in. Happily, with coaching camp set to begin later this month, his position with the Warriors subsequent season seems to have been revealed by NBA insider Marc Spears.
With Paul anticipated to begin for Golden State through the 2023–24 season, it can pressure them to push one other participant to the second unit. Clearly, Steph Curry and Klay Thompson aren’t about to get benched, and Paul becoming a member of them within the beginning lineup doubtless signifies that each stars will slide over a place. That implies that one in all Andrew Wiggins, Draymond Inexperienced, or Kevon Looney will come off the bench.
How Chris Paul beginning may influence the Golden State Warriors subsequent season.
Whereas the obvious choice could be Looney, that doesn’t appear doubtless since it will pressure Inexperienced to begin at middle, one thing that Coach Steve Kerr appears unlikely to do. As an alternative, Wiggins could possibly be the odd man out of the beginning lineup, although that doesn’t imply that the all-star wing will see fewer minutes.
Paul might begin, however he in all probability received’t play massive minutes—probably simply the primary six minutes of every half, a couple of minutes within the second and fourth quarters, and the closing lineup relying on the matchup. In the meantime, Wiggins may nonetheless common round half-hour, are available in across the six-minute mark of the primary and third quarters, play 10-minute stretches, then doubtlessly shut video games. He can also profit from enjoying with the second unit, permitting him to be extra aggressive.
In the end, the choice to begin Paul might be partly to appease him and partly as a result of he’ll permit Curry to play extra off-ball. That would make issues simpler for Curry, who will draw a variety of defensive consideration whereas nonetheless having the ability to get free for open threes.
It may additionally assist the Warriors offense get off to quick begins, although it can pressure Wiggins to regulate to a brand new position. With the Warriors’ first preseason sport lower than a month away, we’ll quickly see how Paul appears to be like within the beginning lineup.
Revealed on 09/09/2023 at 3:00 PM EDTLast up to date on 09/09/2023 at 5:48 AM EDT
