The Golden State Warriors have wasted no time in rebuilding their guard rotation this summer, with the addition of Chris Paul being the most notable. With Paul’s desire to contend for a championship, and unquestionable talent as a playmaking guard, the Warriors have another veteran to lean on in crunch time.
However, Draymond Green, who recently signed a four-year $100 million extension, envisions Paul having a positive effect on some of Golden State’s younger talent, too. During a recent episode of ‘Podcast P with Paul George,’ Green shared his belief that Paul will likely get the best out of Jonathan Kuminga.
“I actually look forward to learning this from him,” Green said. “I think Chris Paul will completely unlock Jonathan Kuminga and his growth. CP is great with young guys. Deandre Ayton looked like a bus before CP came to Phoenix. No disrespect to Ayton – more so a nod to CP. What he will do for Jonathan Kuminga and unlocking Kuminga, is huge.”
"Chris Paul will completely unlock Jonathan Kuminga and his growth."
More from the Draymond episode PREMIERING NOW: https://t.co/KeaQkyp5aI@PrizePicks pic.twitter.com/nqh1zP3Xne
— Podcast P with Paul George (@PodcastPShow) July 3, 2023
Since being drafted by the Warriors with the seventh overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, Kuminga has struggled to lock down a consistent spot in the Warriors’ rotation. Golden State is a contending team and doesn’t have time to allow young players to learn from their mistakes.
Nevertheless, Kuminga showed signs of his high-level potential throughout last season, where he averaged 9.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.9 assists on 52.5% shooting from the field and 37% shooting from deep.
If adding Paul to the rotation helps unlock new levels to Kuminga’s game and gives the Warriors the depth they need to contend for another championship, the Poole trade will go down as one of the best moves of the summer.
