Joe Lacob outlines initial hesitancy at Golden State Warriors’ major acquisition

Golden State Warriors owner Joe Lacob has outlined his initial hesitancy towards a trade for veteran point-guard Chris Paul, detailing how he had to warm to the idea of acquiring the 12-time All-Star.

In a blockbuster trade on NBA Draft day in June, the Warriors moved Jordan Poole, Patrick Baldwin Jr., Ryan Rollins and future draft capital to the Washington Wizards for Paul and the rights to 57th overall pick Trayce Jackson-Davis.

Joe Lacob initially described the idea of Chris Paul with the Golden State Warriors as “highly unlikely”.

In a recent interview with the Athletic’s Tim Kawakami, Lacob spoke candidly on the thought process behind trading their young guard for the 38-year-old future hall-of-famer.

"“Chris Paul, when I first heard that and thought about it, it was, like, really? Seems highly unlikely we would do that. But the more we thought about it, the more we considered our options, the more we realized he’s a great player, always has made other people better”, Lacob said."

It appears Lacob’s sentiments reflect a fair section of the Warrior fan base and analysts around the league. The trade initially drew plenty of criticism, but there’s been a growing sense that Paul will be a more impactful contributor in the short-term.

Much of that impact will determine on Paul’s ability to accept a new role with Golden State this season. The 18-year NBA veteran has never come off the bench in his career, but will likely have to do so with the Warriors behind two-time MVP Stephen Curry.

Paul has done almost everything there is to do on an NBA floor, yet the destiny of an NBA championship has famously eluded him. Lacob has already envisaged that changing with the Warriors, stating, “maybe he can do that with our group”.

Paul averaged 32 minutes in 59 games with the Phoenix Suns last season, putting up 13.9 points, 4.3 rebounds and 8.9 assists while shooting 44% from the field and 37.5% from three-point range.