AP Photo/Matt York, File
Twelve-time All-Star guard Chris Paul has yet to come off the bench in a single game in his 19-year career, but that could change after a trade with the Golden State Warriors in which Stephen Curry runs the point.
Paul was asked what he thought of his role as Scott Fowler in the Charlotte Observer in an extensive interview published on Thursday, and he gave this answer: “To help us win games.”
Warriors owner Joe Lacob was previously asked if Paul would come off the bench in an exclusive interview with Madeline Kenney on Mercury news which consists of many topics, and he offered this comment:
“It’s up to the coaches,” said Lacob. “I’m sure they’re talking about it, but who knows? He might start, he might not. … The point is to get a lot of talent out there and to see [what happens]. Who starts doesn’t really matter, it’s who finishes the game.”
The Warriors acquired Paul in a trade with the Washington Wizards that sent Jordan Poole to DC.
The 38-year-old averaged 13.9 points, 8.9 assists and 1.5 steals in 32.0 minutes per game last season.
In theory, the Warriors will be small with Paul and Curry in the backcourt, Klay Thompson in the wing, Andrew Wiggins in the forward and Draymond Green as the de-facto 5.
They could also bring Paul off the bench as the starting guard, topping a deep guard group that already includes Gary Payton II, Cory Joseph, Moses Moody and rookie first-round draft pick Brandin Podziemski.
No matter what the Warriors do, Paul is there, as he says, “to win games.” And as Lacob said, who finishes the game is more important than who still starts.
Paul will look to help the Warriors rebound after a tough second-round playoff exit to the Los Angeles Lakers, a year after Golden State won its fourth title in eight seasons.
