After the Gatorade-fueled final day of training camp, Chris Paul gave his thoughts on sharing the court with Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, who head coach Steve Kerr plans to start alongside Paul during the he Warriors preseason opener Saturday. The Warriors will host the Los Angeles Lakers in a rematch of the 2023 Western Conference Semifinals series. This is the first of two preseason meetings against the Lakers and the just one at Chase Center.
In preparation for his 19th NBA season, Paul had the opportunity to reflect on how fortunate he feels to continue playing the game that brings him so much joy.
“To have the opportunity to continue playing…a lot of my counterparts don’t play anymore…there’s no joy like playing,” Paul said.
Warriors Training Camp 2023 | Day 4
Warriors vs. Lakers
Saturday October 7 | Tip: 5:30 p.m.
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Among active players, Lakers forward LeBron James, entering his 21st season, is the only player with more years of NBA experience than Paul. During his 19-year tenure, Paul helped four franchises set winning records: the New Orleans Hornets/Pelicans (56 wins; 2007-08 season), Los Angeles Clippers (57 wins; 2013-14 season). ), the Houston Rockets (65 victories). ; 2017-18 season) and Phoenix Suns (64 wins; 2021-22 season). He has played with many great players during his career, but now has the unique opportunity to play with two of the most accomplished guards of this era.
Whenever Paul faced the Warriors, he was usually guarded by Klay Thompson. From these battles, Paul has a unique respect for Thompson, someone he considers to possess a “killer mentality”.
“Every time I see Klay, I see a killer,” Paul said. “I’ve been on the court against him year after year. I know what it’s like to leave him open for a split second. He’s still the same Klay.”
Paul also doesn’t believe Thompson will be fazed by keeping bigger players, noting that he’s “probably a lot bigger and stronger than people think.”
As for Stephen Curry, Paul appreciates the layers of his offensive repertoire.
“That’s the speed Steph plays with,” Paul said. “His ability to shoot, create dribbles and affect other guys around him. It’s been a lot of fun and you figure it out as you go along.
Saturday’s preseason debut will give several new additions their first opportunity to play with the Warriors. Four of these new faces are rookies, with Brandin Podziemski (19th overall pick), Trayce Jackson-Davis (57th overall pick), Javan Johnson and Kendric Davis making their potential debuts. All four played for the Warriors’ Summer League team this summer. The Warriors also added several veterans besides Paul, including Dario Saric, Cory Joseph, Rudy Gay and Rodney McGruder. Rounding out the list is Usman Garuba entering his third season, Jerome Robinson entering his fourth season and Donovan Williams entering his second season.
Coach Kerr said all players in uniform and available to play Saturday will play.
“It’s a great camp for us on many levels,” Kerr said. “We started so slowly last year and swam against the tide the rest of the year. We want to get off to a good start. We have a lot of new pieces, a lot to improve on and we want to create habits.
