It has been nearly a decade since Chris Paul's first head-to-head playoff series against the Warriors (2014). Within that span, Paul has played against the Warriors in the first round, Conference Semifinals, and the Western Conference Finals. Throughout his career, the 12-time All-Star has scored more points against the Warriors (1,172) than any other team. On Sunday, Paul conducted his introductory press conference with the team that had been his adversary for so many years.
“It’ll take some getting used to, but I’m excited," Paul said." I’ve talked to just about everybody and I’m excited to get going.”
Although he's played with some remarkable talents, Paul admits he's never played on a team like the Warriors.
"I've never played with all these different types of players," Paul said. "Steph can come off screens and create his own shot. Klay dropped 60 points with only a few dribbles. Draymond can create shots for other players."
Over his 18 seasons, the five-time assist leader has played on five different teams. He has helped four of those teams set a franchise record for wins, including the New Orleans Hornets/Pelicans (56 wins; 2007-08 season), Los Angeles Clippers (57 wins; 2013-14 season), Houston Rockets (65 wins; 2017-18 season) and Phoenix Suns (64 wins; 2021-22 season).
With that experience of elevating numerous franchises, Paul is confident he'll be able to mesh with his new teammates.
“It’s basketball, not brain surgery," Paul said. "I’m not worried; we’ll figure it out. I'm sure there will be things I've got to learn about them, they've got to learn about me, but that's the case with any team."
Warriors Talk: Chris Paul - 7/9/23
Acquiring Paul has allowed the Dubs to make two of the most accomplished point guards in NBA History teammates. Paul (11x All-NBA) and Stephen Curry (9x All-NBA) have combined for 20 All-NBA team selections. The two legendary point guards and members of the NBA's 75th-anniversary team have already gotten some on-court work in together. Paul said there “weren’t a lot of misses” in their workout. Even before the future unanimous MVP entered the league, Paul was Curry's mentor. With both players born and raised in North Carolina, their relationship has evolved from mentor, friend, rival and now teammate.
“There’s always mutual respect," Paul said. "For all those years, I’d be running around chasing Steph. Klay usually guarded me when we played. Draymond competes just like I do.”
Between Chris Paul, Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green and Andrew Wiggins, the Warriors could trot out five players who have made an All-Star team within the past five years. And for Paul, someone who "isn't surprised" he's still this great this late in his career, he's simply "too excited to be in the Bay.”