Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr. David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Warriors HC Steve Kerr reveals plan to integrate Chris Paul

The Golden State Warriors, under the guidance of first-time general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr., made a bold move this offseason by trading 24-year-old Jordan Poole for 38-year-old Chris Paul. 

Last season, Poole averaged 20.4 points and showcased offensive talent that at times gave the Warriors and their fans a glimpse of the post-Stephen Curry era. But Poole often went MIA for long stretches, especially in the playoffs, and played awfully on defense, so the team dealt him to Washington.

Still, the move is a gamble.

In a recent interview with "NBA Today," Warriors coach Steve Kerr explained how he may use Paul this season.

"I told Chris is we have to be more controlled this year," he said. "Last year we were number 29 in turnovers, second to last in the league."

Poole was a major culprit. He averaged 3.1 turnovers in his 30 minutes per game and finished fourth in the league in turnovers (252).  Paul, on the other hand, has a history of effectively orchestrating offenses and making the right decisions with the ball in his hands.

"One of the things I love about Chris is that he controls games, and I told him we need his ability to control the game for us at times," Kerr noted in the interview.  

The crucial element in this statement is "at times." 

Golden State has no intention — nor should it — of turning its high-speed motion offense into "The Chris Paul Show" and slowing the pace. Instead, the Warriors plan to strategically use his skills in dissecting defenses.

Best case: This arrangement creates a perfect yin-and-yang balance, seamlessly blending a fast-paced starting five centered on Curry with a methodical CP3 controlling the second unit and sometimes playing on the first team.

In a recent interview with Marcus Thompson II of The Athletic, Curry said, "Guys are going to be asked to do things that may not all the way vibe with how they see themselves." 

Is that a subtle reminder to CP3 that playing off the bench is best for the team?

"Look at the teams that have won," Curry added. "You realize that there is a certain way about how you show up on a nightly basis."

The Warriors start training camp Oct. 2. Stay tuned.

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