The Golden State Warriors have managed a big trade right before the NBA draft as they went on to acquire Chris Paul from the Washington Wizards in exchange for Jordan Poole, Ryan Rollins, a protected 2030 first-round pick and a 2027 second-round pick. While there have been mixed reactions following the move, NBA analyst Stephen A. Smith does not understand where Paul fits in this Warriors lineup.
ESPN’s Stephen A Smith is not happy with the trade as he raises major concerns regarding Chris Paul. He is worried that Paul may slow the game down for Stephen Curry and he is also concerned about his injury troubles. He feels these are major problems which the Warriors should have addressed before jumping into the trade.
“I’m not happy about it,” Smith said. “I don’t think it fits. I love Chris Paul, he’s a future Hall of Famer, one of the greatest point guards to have ever lived.
“The reality is the fit is not ideal. Unless you’re gonna get a big and slow the pace, which we haven’t seen Golden State do under the stewardship fo Steve Kerr,” he added.
Smith shares how Chris Paul who is 38-year-old will slow down the pace for the Warriors. In fact, he shared moving a talented youngster like Jordan Poole for a veteran who has had a history of hamstring injuries is a huge risk. He simply cannot see how this move works in improving the Warriors.
“I don’t see how this works. Chris Paul is 38, Jordan Poole is 24. … Bringing a 38-year-old point guard with a history of hamstring injuries and your organization and your style of play is pushing the ball up the court. I don’t how that fits, how that works,” Smith highlighted.
While some people thought the Warriors did this move to save the luxury tax. But Chris Haynes believes it is a very smart move from the Warriors and he considers them as Championship contenders.
With Poole gone, they may bring back Draymond Green into the mix. Considering Paul’s age, he will be used in key rotations and important stretches when Curry needs to take a break. Paul’s exceptional ball movement and creativity may finally unlock the potential of Moses Moody, Patrick Baldwin Jr. and Jonathan Kuminga, who will get bigger roles in the upcoming season.
Paul brings flexibility to the second lineup of the Warriors and he can be the replacement of Curry or Green when either of them are taking a breather. His experience will also enlighten the Warriors’ changing room and will help the franchise move forward. Therefore it is not as bad a move as many people may believe.
