Draymond Green firmly believes that the addition of Chris Paul not only helps the offensive dynamics of the Golden State Warriors but also their promising cager in Jonathan Kuminga.
As he recently appeared in Paul George’s Podcast P, Green echoed his optimism that Paul will be able to help Kuminga’s development similar to what he did with Deandre Ayton in the Phoenix Suns.
“Our team last year didn’t have variety of ways that we could score, and I think CP adds another thing to menu… I think Chris Paul will completely unlock Jonathan Kuminga and his growth. CP is great with young guys. Deandre Ayton looked like a bust before CP came to Phoenix,” Green told George.
In an unlikely timeline of this era, Paul joining the Warriors can’t be more of a shocking scenario given their storied rivalry from the past. But the fact that the club pulled it out due to different and beneficial reasons, they appear all in towards the future Hall of Famer’s significant contributions and what he can help to elevate Kuminga.
Paul already boasts a priceless experience of raising the ceiling of a young team. He and the Oklahoma City Thunder deflected expectations and became competitive back in the 2019-20 season, and the All-Star guard’s presence paved the way for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s rise to stardom.
As such, the Dubs can only be optimistic about the positive influence that Paul can rub on Kuminga. The high-flying forward, who averaged 9.9 points and 3.4 boards, has shown promising signs of being a star with his elite athleticism and all-around game, but his potential is yet to be tapped as he wasn’t able to grasp consistent exposure last 2022-23.
With Paul being an excellent floor raiser, Golden State’s intent to aid Kuminga only adds up to the pros of their trade move to obtain him.
