Blue Man Hoop
Fansided

Draymond Green believes Chris Paul will unlock Golden State Warriors’ youngster

By Peter O'Keefe

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 13: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors is guarded by Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns at Chase Center on March 13, 2023 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 13: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors is guarded by Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns at Chase Center on March 13, 2023 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

It’s already been a busy offseason for the Golden State Warriors, sending out three players — Jordan Poole, Patrick Baldwin Jr. and Ryan Rollins — in a draft day trade for veteran Chris Paul last month.

While the trade may have emanated primarily for financial and locker room reasons, there’s little doubt Paul will bring plenty on the floor for Golden State despite entering his 19th season at 38 years of age.

Draymond Green believes the addition of Chris Paul will greatly aid the Golden State Warriors’ youngsters, specifically third-year forward Jonathan Kuminga.

Green himself has had a busy week, signing a new four-year, $100 million contract with the franchise to begin free agency on Friday. He also recently joined Paul George on the Playoff P Podcast presented Presented by Wave Sports + Entertainment. As part of their long discussion, Green spoke about what sort of impact Paul can have on the Warriors.

"“I’ll tell you one more thing that I think it unlocks and I look forward to learning this from him; I think Chris Paul will completely unlock Jonathan Kuminga and his growth. CP is great with young guys.”"

Green went onto reference Paul’s impact on Phoenix Suns’ big man Deandre Ayton, believing the 12-time All-Star can have a similar effect on the prodigiously talented Kuminga. While Ayton’s points per game slightly decreased after Paul’s arrival in the 2020 offseason, the pair’s pick-and-roll game saw the former number one overall pick become one of the most efficient centers in the league.

Ayton shot 62.6% from the field during the 2020-21 season as Paul’s arrival elevated the Suns to the NBA Finals. He then shot 63.4% from the floor as Phoenix finished the 2021-22 regular season with a league-best 64-18 record.

Kuminga had an impressive regular season for the Warriors, averaging over 20 minutes per game in his second year as he became a regular member of Steve Kerr’s rotation. That dissipated in the postseason though with Kuminga glued to the bench, leaving he and many fans frustrated by the lack of opportunity.

Next. Free Agency: Golden State Warriors’ best remaining targets sign elsewhere on Day 4. dark

Kuminga’s future has been a source of speculation since the season concluded, though nothing is yet to materialize on that front. Green’s comments, and the exciting potential of the Paul-Kuminga duo, may be an indication that the Warriors expect to push forward with their 2021 lottery pick.

Home/Warriors News