It's funny, because the same comments Klay Thompson made yesterday concerning Chris Paul coming to the Warriors were very similar to what I was intending to say if I had written this article earlier, which is that it feels strange considering that CP3 has been one of the dynasty Dubs most-notable rivals. Like, I don't think anyone saw this one coming, but it kinda makes sense since GSW refuses to de-age and insists on remaining a contender for as long as their current core can compete on that level.
What the pundits are saying is that there might be compatibility issues since CP3 is a traditional PG, while the Warriors like playing at a fast pace. And I'll admit that Golden State is at its scariest (to defend) when dudes are running wild and free, chuckin' up shots, and the shots are actually going in.
In fact, the interesting thing is that in all these years they've been winning championships and breaking records and shit, like the Dubs never really had an offensive strategy. For instance, as a (interim) head coach in 2015-16, the Dubs had a 39-4 record under Luke Walton. Luke fukin Walton, milord. And now take a look at his coaching record when, immediately thereafter, he was put in large of less-talented squads.
Draymond is a point-forward, but the reason he's averaged so many assists isn't because he actually runs point consistently like that. Rather, he's a pass-first player with a high IQ, who has also been fortunate to play with some of the best shooters in history. And now that the Warriors have gotten rid of Poole and taken on Paul, it's like people are saying that Green has to stick around. But you know, give the man his money. And truthfully, I'd still rather see him go to the Rockets anyway and really run point, even though it doesn't seem that they're making an attempt to get him.
So one thing we've never seen, oddly enough, is the Dubs consistently run a halfcourt offense. Imagine if, instead of runnin' and gunnin', they were more focused on playing with an actual strategy? That's what they need to be doing by this age anyway, more regularly playing off of screens instead of depending on luck/talent.
And as for Jordan Poole, one thing I hope is that he didn't leave Cali with any type of animosity towards Steph Curry, because he really benefitted a lot playing with him. You don't have to actually study a superstar player's style when you're playing alongside him on a daily basis. That's the same thing that happened with Jordan and Pippen. And no, I'm not saying that Scottie would've been a scrub without Michael. But it's obvious that he learned a lot from playing with big, superstar bro.
So if Poole goes on to become an allstar, which I personally believe he will even if not in his first season with the Wizards (due to the lack of respect he's afforded by the media in general), I would personally argue that Steph deserves some of the credit. And of course it's going to be interesting watching them go head-to-head.
Meanwhile, last season during the playoffs I remember one announcer saying that Tyus Jones is the best backup PG in the league. And if I personally were building a team, in all honesty I'd take Jordan Poole over Bradley Beal (maybe Phoenix should've chased Poole instead?). So now, the Wizards may have one of the best backcourts in the East. The problem though is that along the way, they also appear to be on the verge of completely dismantling one of the more talented frontlines in the NBA (if Kuzma also bounces). But it isn't really like one step forwards two step backwards, since they're obviously rebuilding anyway.
CONCLUSION
I won't go as far as to say that, all things considered, Washington got the better part of this deal. What I will say is that it's a shame the Warriors couldn't manage to keep Poole around, even though it was obvious they intended to at the beginning of last season.
What I've come to believe is that Golden State really isn't the best place for lesser-known players who have the potential to develop into allstars, i.e. challenge the authority and/or popularity of Steph and Draymond. So in that regard Chris Paul reads like the perfect fit, since he's a revered, effective elder who has already reached his ceiling long before getting down with the Dubs.
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