Golden State Warriors guard Chris Paul. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Chris Paul's return could be the turning point for Golden State

According to The Athletic's Shams Charania, Steve Kerr's team is about to receive a significant boost. 

After missing the past 21 games for Golden State, Chris Paul is scheduled to return from injury. He will be part of the rotation that faces the Toronto Raptors on Thursday. 

After a tough start to the season, the Golden State Warriors have started to figure things out. They've won eight of their last 10 games. Steve Kerr's decision to move Draymond Green to center with Jonathan Kuminga and Andrew Wiggins at the forward positions has paid dividends. 

The Warriors currently sit 10th in the Western Conference. They aim to break into the top six to avoid the play-in tournament.

Paul, 38, is experiencing his first season coming off the bench. He will now be tasked with forming a backcourt partnership with Klay Thompson. The veteran sharpshooter was recently moved to Golden State's second unit following a tough season within the starting lineup. Paul's playmaking and leadership should help provide some much-needed balance when Stephen Curry is off the court. 

Given the Warriors' current resurgence, Paul's return couldn't have come at a better time. Even at this late stage in his career, he remains one of the best floor generals in the NBA. He also has a reputation for helping to develop young talent. Brandin Podziemski, Trayce Jackson-Davis and Kuminga have all been thriving in recent weeks. Paul could help elevate their games.

Golden State came into the season dreaming of a potential championship run. The front office has made it clear it wants to continue contending during Curry's final years in the league. Paul's addition was supposed to help with that. The hope will be that he can finally make a big impact. If that coincides with some stellar play in the coming months, the decision to trade for him this summer will be justified. 

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