Chris Paul’s Golden State swansong is pure box office. But will it work?

In a classic tale as old as time, sworn enemies have joined forces for one last stand. This familiar movie plotline has now taken center stage in the NBA, with the Golden State Warriors taking on a Hollywood-worthy transformation. This narrative has added another layer to Adam Silver’s ongoing basketball drama: Chris Paul teaming up with his former rivals Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and the rest of the team as they embark on a championship quest. This journey could potentially be the 38-year-old future Hall of Famer’s final opportunity to claim the coveted title.

It’s easy to forget that back in 2014, Paul unintentionally kickstarted the Golden State Warriors dynasty by defeating them. In his third season with the Los Angeles Clippers, Paul led his team to a thrilling seven-game victory over the emerging Warriors. This unforgettable series took place amidst the infamous Donald Sterling TMZ scandal. The Clippers’ triumph on May 3rd, with Paul contributing 22 points and 14 assists, ultimately led to the firing of Warriors’ head coach Mark Jackson. The hiring of Steve Kerr that summer marked the beginning of an era that saw the Warriors secure four NBA championships. Now, after a decade of attempting to overcome the Warriors, Paul finds himself playing for Kerr’s team, wearing the blue-and-gold uniform.

Chris Paul’s NBA career is already a remarkable one, with numerous accomplishments that solidify his place among the top players of all time. His inclusion in the NBA’s Top 75 list is just one testament to his greatness. As a future Hall of Famer, Paul is widely regarded as one of the best pure point guards and most efficient players in basketball history. His signature mid-range jumper will forever haunt the dreams (or nightmares) of NBA fans. His career could be likened to a combination of Isiah Thomas, Jason Kidd, and Gary Payton – all legendary players who captured titles in the latter stages of their careers with new and unfamiliar teams.

However, Paul’s career hasn’t been without its share of painful what if? moments. The collapse of the Clippers after holding a 3-1 series lead against the Houston Rockets in the 2015 Western Conference semis, his injury in the 2018 Western Conference finals while playing for the Rockets, resulting in another Warriors finals appearance, and the Phoenix Suns’ loss in the 2021 NBA finals after initially taking a 2-0 lead over the Milwaukee Bucks – all these moments raise the question of whether Paul will ever cross the championship finish line. Furthermore, as the 2023-24 season approaches, the outlook for the Warriors seems uncertain, with a highly competitive Western Conference featuring teams like the Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns, and potentially new superteams formed through trades and signings.

Paul’s partnership with the Warriors seems like a perfect match. His basketball IQ and intellect align with Draymond Green’s antagonist savant qualities, while the team’s emphasis on continuity, fluidity, and balance supports Paul’s adaptable style of play. Despite concerns about his ball-dominance, Paul has consistently proven his ability to adapt and thrive within different offensive systems. He performed admirably during the Phoenix Suns’ run to the 2021 NBA finals and played a crucial role in Houston’s top-ranked offense under Mike D’Antoni.

Paul’s arrival also addresses the Warriors’ weaknesses, such as occasional loose passing and a semi-inert half-court offense when Curry is off the floor. His exceptional assist-to-turnover ratio and precise leadership provide the team with efficient scoring and intelligent playmaking. Additionally, Paul’s defensive intensity and versatility make him an upgrade over his predecessor, offering grit and guile to the team’s defense. These improvements will be crucial during high-pressure situations, where previous limitations hindered the team’s performance.

However, the Warriors still face challenges, particularly in terms of size and length alongside Curry. The team’s former general manager, Bob Myers, expressed the intention to surround Curry with length and versatile defenders. While Paul helps address some of the team’s needs, the Warriors will need to prioritize acquiring players who can match up defensively against opponents like the Nuggets’ Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokić or LeBron James and Austin Reeves from the Lakers. As the season progresses, it remains to be seen if Paul will start, flourish, and even replace key players in closing lineups.

Only time will provide answers to these questions. At the very least, Paul’s presence offers insurance and protection during the regular season, especially in case of a prolonged absence by Curry. He also adds another reliable end-of-game closer who can create scoring opportunities alongside Curry. This two-man game will keep both players fresh throughout the long NBA season.

For now, all we can do is eagerly anticipate the start of the new season and witness how the Warriors’ chemistry develops with Paul as their leading man. As we wait, it’s fitting to remember the words of the underrated Jean-Claude Van Damme film, as reflected in the movie poster’s tagline: “Keep your friends close. And your enemies closer.”

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Emily Turner

Emily Turner is your source for everything NBA. As a dedicated basketball enthusiast, she offers insights into NBA games, player highlights, trade rumors, and the league’s evolving dynamics. Emily’s love for the sport shines through in her comprehensive NBA coverage.