Following the Gatorade-fueled third day of training camp, Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson spoke to the media on a variety of topics, including the integration of Chris Paul, a new defensive role for Thompson and the addition of the new franchise WNBA Golden State.
Building chemistry Curry and Paul
Curry and Paul played “a lot of pickup together this summer,” according to the two-time MVP and they worked together more during training camp. After practice, the duo hit shots together, including practicing their off-the-dribble creation from a two-man pick-and-roll, guard-to-guard, and even caught lobs for dunks. ‘from each other. Curry described the fit as “seamless” offensively, with Paul being “one of the best with the ball in his hands in terms of decision-making and ability to orchestrate an attack”, and Curry being willing and very effective without the basketball. Curry also mentioned that Paul has shown a desire to learn the patterns in which the Warriors generate their motion offense. According to Curry, he was also productive without the ball in his hands.
Warriors Training Camp 2023 | Day 3
“It’s really fun,” Curry said of playing pickup with Paul. “He was really good at catching and shooting and moving without the basketball.”
In addition to the promising work on the court, the nine-time All-Star considers the duo’s best quality so far to be their communication.
Warriors Discussion: Stephen Curry – 10/5/23
Thompson talks defending power forwards
As head coach Steve Kerr mentioned on Monday, Klay Thompson will be the power goalie more frequently this season, especially when playing with smaller lineups. Thompson doesn’t believe the transition will be that difficult, saying he “takes pride in being able to change and guard every position, not every possession, but for short spurts.” Thompson also believes the game is “pretty positionless these days” and that many modern forwards play more on the perimeter.
Warriors Discussion: Klay Thompson – 10/5/23
Warriors add WNBA team
On Thursday, the Warriors announced they would bring a new WNBA expansion team at Chase Center in 2025.
“It’s awesome…the fact that you have a (WNBA) team here in the Bay is fun,” Curry said. “There is no better time to grow women’s basketball and women’s sports in general.”
Kerr is confident Bay’s WNBA franchise is in good hands after seeing how quickly Joe Lacob helped turn around the Warriors organization.
“The fortunes of the Warriors changed the second Joe (Lacob) bought the team,” Kerr said. “He’s provided every resource to strengthen the organization, so the commitment he’s going to make with the WNBA team, he’s going to make sure it’s a first-class organization.
Lacob has already guaranteed that the Warriors’ WNBA team will win a championship in the next five years and Thompson said he hopes to see multiple WNBA championships in the future.
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