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Former teammate buying into Chris Paul’s fit with the Golden State Warriors

By Peter O'Keefe

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 25: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors drives the ball past Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half of NBA game at Footprint Center on December 25, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 25: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors drives the ball past Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half of NBA game at Footprint Center on December 25, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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The stylistic fit of Chris Paul at the Golden State Warriors has been one of the biggest talking points around the league in recent weeks, with his arrival at the franchise becoming official last week after the reported draft day trade.

The 38-year-old’s methodical, heavy pick-and-roll offense is of contrast to the Warriors’ generally high-motion offense under head coach Steve Kerr. It has opened up plenty of question marks surrounding his potential impact for Golden State as the franchise seeks to return to championship contention next season.

One of Chris Paul’s former teammates, JJ Redick, is excited to see how the 38-year-old fits with the Golden State Warriors next season.

Speaking on his podcast The Old Man & The Three, NBA analyst JJ Redick is beginning to buy into the potential of Paul on the Warriors playing alongside the veteran core of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green.

"“You have all these different ingredients on a team, and maybe in some ways, Chris Paul — I’m not saying he’s the missing ingredient — but he is something they didn’t really have, and I’m really excited to see how it’s all going to work.”"

Redick revealed he had been in contact with Paul over the last fortnight since the trade, with the pair having played four seasons together with the Los Angeles Clippers between 2013 and 2017.

While the acquisition of Paul may have emanated for financial reasons first and foremost — getting off Jordan Poole’s four-year, $128 million contract — there’s a strong argument that the 12-time All-Star will increase Golden State’s title chances next season.

The first major domino is whether Paul will agree to coming off the bench for the first time in his career, with most around the league presuming he would simply take on Poole’s role as the Warriors’ sixth-man.

However, the 18-year veteran clearly took umbrage to the assumption when asked by reporters on Sunday, suggesting it would be a conversation he and Steve Kerr will have closer to training camp.

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Paul made 59 regular season appearances with the Phoenix Suns in 2022-23, averaging 13.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, 8.9 assists and 1.5 steals per game.

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