Chris Paul, a man much maligned by just about every Warriors player and fan, is now a member of the team.
From showing Stephen Curry a little extra “love” at nearly every opportunity available, fake laughing at Steve Kerr and being a pestilent force for the Houston Rockets in their short-lived Western Conference rivalry with the Warriors, Paul has built up some well-earned disdain.
In an interview with ESPN’s Malika Andrews, the 38-year-old point guard admitted the situation is unique, but expressed excitement at the opportunity.
Paul said he understands the reality of the situation.
It happens around this league all the time. It’s probably the first time I’ve been in a situation like that, but when you get out there on the court with guys that are like-minded and love to play the game the same way that I love to, I’m excited about it.
It’s always a new process when you’re going to a new team; I’ve done it a number of times now, but I’m definitely excited about this because these guys know what it’s all about. They’ve been there. They’ve won over and over again, so I’m glad to be a part of that process.
He was full of praise for the Warriors veterans, including the still-unsigned Draymond Green, who, by all accounts, is likely to return.
“We’ve known each other for a very, very long time, man,” Paul said about Stephen Curry. “So I’m excited to get a chance to play alongside him, Klay, [Andrew Wiggins], Draymond, all of them. They’ve got an unbelievable organization. They’ve been playing together for a while, and they know what they’re doing.”
Paul comes in with a $30.8 million salary figure for 2023-24. While he has another year left on his deal and $30 million, none of that is guaranteed. It could well be a one-year marriage with Paul and the Warriors.
Listen to the full interview with Marc J. Spears discussing the Warriors above. You can listen to every KNBR interview on our podcast page at knbr.com/podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts.
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