Tonight?s preseason game between the Sacramento Kings and the Golden State Warriors did catch some headlines due to the decision to bench Chris Paul for the game. Although the whole purpose of preseason matches is to lure the international audience, most teams bench the best players to give them proper rest for the regular season.
However, the question here is, after Draymond Green recovers from the ankle injury, will Chris Paul still sit on the bench? Or is it going to be the other way around?
Chris Paul?s Addition and Green Becoming a Restricted Free Agent
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Back in June this year, there were speculations that Draymond was planning to call it quits with the franchise. Well, it soon turned out to be a claim when he declined a $27.6 million player option. While that was bad news for Steph and Co., it didn’t become a reality.
Later in June, Draymond signed a four-year contract with the Warriors for $100 million after GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. wanted Draymond back. However, in 97.5: The Games, Matt Steinmetz voiced a different opinion.
He said: ?And the team is starting to get a little tired of Draymond, which I can see. Steph getting a little tired of Draymond, and Kuminga is??You know, I do think that Draymond better be careful.?
“It is not outside the realm of possibility that at the beginning of next year, Chris Paul is a Warrior and Draymond ISN’T!” ?@SteinmetzNBA is playing to the crowd at the Warriors Summit
(@MorningRoast957 x @SteinyGuru957 x @WillardAndDibs) pic.twitter.com/8z5GwhyC9Z
? 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) October 19, 2023
He continued: ?And you know it is not outside the realm of possibility that the beginning of next year Chris Paul?s a Warrior and Draymond isn’t.??
Green Under Warriors and Down With an Injury
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Draymond Green has added great value to the team?s defense and playmaking. With an average of 8.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 6.8 assists, he made 73 appearances for the Warriors. The 6?6 player is the best fit for the power forward position with the Warriors, but with the recent injury to his left ankle, he might not be able to keep up with Steve Kerr’s fast-paced game.
Although the absence of Green takes a toll on the overall performance of Steph Curry and Co., CP3 seems to handle it, with the Warriors standing at 4-0 this preseason. Is Green?s dominance in danger?
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Stay tuned for all the latest updates about the Golden State Warriors.