The Golden State Warriors are going to look a little bit different during the 2023-24 season than they did when the Los Angeles Lakers eliminated them from the 2023 NBA Postseason. The core will remain the same as Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green and Andrew Wiggins are all back for at least one more season. But, the supporting cast is changed.
Donte DiVincenzo left in free agency, signing a deal with the New York Knicks. JaMychal Green and Andre Iguodala remain free agents as well. Dario Saric and Cory Joseph were signed in free agency. Jordan Poole, Ryan Hollins and Patrick Baldwin were all traded to the Washington Wizards in a deal that brought back Chris Paul.
The Warriors are the third franchise that Paul has been on this season, as the Phoenix Suns traded him to Washington as part of the Bradley Beal blockbuster. Now in Golden State, what can we expect from him?
In the opinion of Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report, a lights-out shooting season is on the horizon. One of his bold predictions for the Warriors is that Paul will shoot at least 40 percent on 3-point attempts.
That is a plateau that Paul has only reached twice previously in his career. Predicting what he will bring to the Warriors is tough, as no one knows what his role will be. But, knowing he won’t be the full-time ball handler should open him up for some wide-open looks from 3-point range, which he is capable of knocking down.
Another bold prediction that Buckley shared is that Green, who re-signed with the team on a four-year, $100 million deal, will win the Defensive Player of the Year award. That is certainly a bold prediction for someone who turned 33 in March.
Despite seemingly being on the backend of his career, Green remains one of the most tenacious defenders in the NBA. His advanced metrics on defense remain elite as he is still the anchor of this team on that side of the court.
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