The Golden State Warriors’ controversial off-season trade won’t be fully assessed for a matter of time, but the ‘dramatic’ difference between Jordan Poole and Chris Paul is reportedly already on display before the start of the regular season.
The franchise’s decision stemmed from a number of factors, starting with the financial element and their hope that Paul can be more of a win-now contributor this season. However, the stark personality contrast may have also played a factor.
Chris Paul’s veteran personality undoubtedly aligns greater with the Golden State Warriors’ veteran core.
Speaking on a recent episode of the Plus-Minus podcast with Anthony Slater and Marcus Thompson, The Athletic’s Tim Kawakami delved into what he’d heard and seen regarding the contrasting characters.
"“The comparison to him and Jordan Poole is just so dramatic”, Kawakami said. When you swap them out, it’s such a dramatic difference. Chris Paul can irritate people yes. He can be obnoxious yes. They’ve hated him yes. But he’s so direct. He’s sarcastic. He’s in your face. This is very different and I think it’s refreshing for the Warriors.”"
Slater took it even a step further, stating that “70% of what they traded for was Chris Paul the personality.” Of course, everyone acknowledges that the final summation won’t come until we see Paul’s impact to the Warriors on-court capacity.
Poole’s disastrous playoff form, combined with his new four-year, #128 million contract, may have been the biggest reason for the trade, there’s little doubt his personality within the team dynamic was strained last season.
While he should take no responsibility for Draymond Green’s punch during training camp, there was quite clearly a vast contrast between the young upstart and the team’s veteran core.
Regardless, most Warrior fans will be wishing the best for Poole as he begins a new road at the Washington Wizards, fondly remembering the 24-year-old fondly as a crucial part of the 2022 championship team.