Former Warriors player DeMarcus Cousins: 'I don't understand why Golden State married Chris Paul'
The NBA 2023 transfer market has been stirred up when the Golden State Warriors successfully recruited Chris Paul, bringing one of the best PGs of all time to the team of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson.
This blockbuster should theoretically help the Warriors become stronger as Paul is both a very experienced player, while taking the responsibility of holding the ball off Curry's shoulders and giving the pitcher space to step up. new high.
The price Golden State has to pay for Chris Paul's service is Jordan Poole, a defender who just over a year ago was trusted by the Warriors with a contract extension of $ 100 million.
According to the former Warriors player with 4 All-Star and 2 All-NBA appearances DeMarcus Cousins, he does not see the prospect of Chris Paul raising Curry's level. and the Warriors collective.
“Honestly, I don't understand why Golden State would trade with Chris Paul. At first, I thought this was a story to handle salary and contracts, increase financial flexibility so that the team could target other stars.
In terms of basketball expertise, I don't think Chris Paul can raise the bar for the Golden State Warriors. He alone cannot do that.”
Before joining Golden State, Chris Paul played three seasons for the Phoenix Suns. Age has somewhat affected "Point God" as the number of minutes played, the number of appearances as well as his effectiveness decrease over time.
Last season (2022-23), the 38-year-old defender averaged 13.9 points, 8.9 assists and 4.3 rebounds per game. Paul's shot rate is 44% FG and 37.5% 3PT.
DeMarcus Cousins further explained his statement, saying that Chris Paul's age and fitness will be a big barrier to Golden State's championship goal.
“He is already old. The Warriors dropped a young player with very high growth potential (like Jordan Poole - PV) in exchange for an experienced but 38-year-old defender.
I'm not underestimating or underestimating Chris Paul and what he's done, but CP has crossed the slopes of his career and will face its own set of challenges.
Hey, maybe I'm wrong and the Golden State will find a way. But given the current situation and what has happened in the last few seasons, I don't see Chris Paul lifting the Golden State Warriors," Cousins added.
Previously, DeMarcus Cousins played for the Golden State Warriors in the 2018-19 season.
He hasn't played much due to injury but has contributed to the Warriors' Western Championship campaign. Unfortunately, Golden State then fell after 6 matches against the Toronto Raptors at the NBA Finals.
From his own experience when he was playing alongside names like Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson or Draymond Green, Cousins had the above sharing about Chris Paul.
