Will Chris Paul’s return help the Golden State Warriors to improve?
The Warriors have been given a much-needed boost with news confirming the return of their newly acquired star. Is this the necessary shot in the arm?
Following one of the more intriguing trades that we’ve seen in a while, the former Phoenix Suns star saw his new start to life in the Bay Area cut short by an injury and subsequent operation. Now, finally back to playing and questions still remain as to how he will fit into one of the most successful teams in the league over the last decade.
Chris Paul returns to the Warriors’ lineup
According to reports this week, Golden State Warriors point guard Chris Paul is now back on the roster after undergoing surgery to repair a fractured left hand earlier this year. To that end, Paul will in fact feature in the Warriors game against the Washington Wizards on Tuesday night, something that was confirmed by the team’s head coach Steve Kerr. It will mark the first time that Paul has played since sustaining a broken hand back on January 5th, an injury that was followed by surgery just a few days later.
“Chris will play all of the non-Steph minutes, and he’ll be out there with Steph as well,” Kerr said on Sunday night after his men suffered a defeat to reigning NBA champions, the Denver Nuggets.”It’s easier for us to put Steph off the ball and take some of the wear and tear off of him when Chris is out there.”
Chris Paul up to this point
With regards to what exactly happened to Paul, as mentioned above it was early January when he went down after an awkward collision with Detroit Pistons guard Jaden Ivy in a game that the Warriors eventually won. At the time Paul attempted to grab a rebound but immediately clutched at his hand before doubling over in pain as the play proceeded downcourt. It was not long before the 38-year-old left the court and understandably, did not return. Incidentally, the operation on his hand that followed marks the fifth time in his career that he has had surgery on his hand.
If you’re wondering, Paul has played in 32 games this season for Golden State in what is his first campaign with the franchise since the above-mentioned move from the Phoenix Suns. While much was made about the challenges of integration with a team that boasts the likes of Steph Curry and Klay Thompson, the reality is that things have gone relatively smoothly. While it’s true that his performances have been made largely off of the bench, he has contributed with a credible 8.9 points and 7.2 assists per game.
“I expect Chris to be himself,” Thompson said of his new teammate’s return to the fold. “That’s just one of the greatest playmakers, a testy defender, and [he can] just kind of right the ship when Steph needs a break. It’s very exciting. I’m excited to step on the floor with him and lead that second unit. You can’t really ask for a better backcourt to come off the bench with.” Ahead of Tuesday’s game against the Wizards, the Warriors are sitting on a 29-27 record which is good enough for 10th in the Western Conference at the moment. Following an impressive win against the Los Angeles Lakers who sit just above them in the standings, the the team will be keen to maintain its winning ways after the All-Star break. As we always say, ‘watch this space.’