CP3 coming off bench for first time in NBA career; Draymond starting

CP3 coming off bench for first time in NBA career; Draymond starting originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

In a surprising move, Chris Paul will be coming off the bench for the first time in his NBA career, while Draymond Green returns to the starting lineup for the Golden State Warriors. This decision by coach Steve Kerr has sparked intrigue and speculation among fans and analysts alike.

Green will make his 2023-24 NBA season debut against the Rockets on Sunday, adding excitement to the Warriors’ lineup. However, this move also raises questions about who should be relegated to the bench.

With Chris Paul being the most obvious choice, Kerr ultimately decided to start Green, leaving Paul to come off the bench for the first time in his career. Paul, who has started 1,365 consecutive games, will now face a new challenge.

In his first two games as a Warrior, Paul has displayed impressive all-around skills, averaging 12.0 points, 10.5 assists, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.5 steals per game. Although his shooting has been off to a slow start, his basketball IQ and playmaking ability have shone through.

One notable achievement for Paul is his exceptional assist-to-turnover ratio. With 21 assists and only four turnovers, he has showcased his ability to effectively run the second unit and provide support when Stephen Curry is off the court.

Additionally, Paul has already developed strong chemistry with some of the Warriors’ second-unit players. His on-court partnership with Gary Payton II, Jonathan Kuminga, and Moses Moody has resulted in positive net ratings and improved team performance.

While Green’s return is highly anticipated, it is important to note that he will be on a minutes restriction, as confirmed by Kerr. Green’s presence on the court is crucial for the Warriors’ defense and overall performance.

The Warriors’ starting five, consisting of Curry, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, Green, and Kevon Looney, had the best net rating in the league last season. Kerr’s decision to stick with this successful lineup, even with the addition of another talented player like Paul, demonstrates a commitment to maintaining their winning formula.

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