Warriors’ Chris Paul Sends Strong Message On Playing With Stephen Curry

New Golden State Warriors guard Chris Paul is excited to play with superstar Stephen Curry. The two NBA legends have known each other for a long time, and even though they have been rivals for several years, Paul and Curry are looking forward to being on the same team finally.

“I’m excited to team up with Steph,” Paul said. “We got all this stuff that’s connected to each other. And I think through sports sometimes you just compete so crazy. So I’m excited about playing alongside of him.”

Paul has been “extremely eager” in his first few meetings with the Warriors, according to Kendra Andrews of ESPN. Golden State acquired Paul from the Washington Wizards in the blockbuster Jordan Poole trade.

The 38-year-old Paul averaged 13.9 points, 4.3 rebounds and 8.9 assists last season for the Phoenix Suns while shooting 44.0% from the floor, 37.5% from 3 and 83.1% from the free-throw line. Paul and Curry worked out together on July 9 in Las Vegas for the first time since 2009.

It’s going to be strange to see Paul play for the Warriors. In 2018, Paul’s fake laugh at Steve Kerr went viral on social media. Most recently, Curry told Paul, “This ain’t 2014 no more” during a matchup against the Suns in March. However, Paul is looking forward to being on the other side of his rivalry with the Warriors.

Paul has never won a title during his Hall of Fame career, while Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green have captured four championships and played in six NBA Finals. Curry and the Warriors lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2023 Western Conference Semifinals in six games, so the team will be hungry to go on a championship run next season with Paul in the fold.

Paul and Curry could start together in the Warriors’ backcourt, although there has been some speculation that Paul could come off the bench. Kerr will have to make that final decision.