Adrian Wojnarowski hit us with a massive bomb 2 days ago with news about Chris Paul leaving the Golden State Warriors after signing an $11 million-plus deal with the San Antonio Spurs. He will now be playing alongside the French phenom and rookie, Victory Wembanyama. Paul joins a team where the staff really dives deep into nurturing their talent, leading them to realize their full potential. Since CP is a veteran, his presence is now said to be a catalyst for Wemby’s future professional dynamics in the NBA.

With Paul and Klay Thompson both leaving the Warriors, it speaks volumes on the shaky grounds for the Bay Area in the upcoming season. Possibly that could be the reason why Draymond Green feels sad. On his latest episode of ‘The Draymond Green Show, he candidly said, “I know it’s been documented like, how we hated each other. Umm, and I am very sad to know that he’s leaving this team because in my head I’m like see CP going to end up finishing his career here, and that’d be dope like…”

Further expressing his grief, Draymond mentioned how “incredible” Paul was as a teammate for him: “Again, this is the part of business, that sucks. Like one year with C and I’m like, man, I really love this dude and he’s incredible. Like one of the best teammates I’ve ever had. And then he gone. And that’s the weird part about this business, man, and that made me really sad.” 

Of course, he’s sad. One after the other, the Warriors are falling apart like a house of cards. The trade winds are too harsh on them this year. But then again, there’s no turning back on this. Even Green moved forward and discussed how CP could greatly add to the professional learnings of the Spurs‘ rookie, Wembanyama.

Draymond Green was left in awe of Chris Paul‘s role as a “vet” and basketball genius. That’s why he thought that Wemby would benefit on the technical end of the basketball in CP’s presence. Highlighting his point, Green said, “A parent CP to Wemby, to teach that you fella, the CP one of the greatest vets I’ve been around. And I just spent a year around him, as a vet myself. And he was a vet to me. And so, that’s gonna be great for Wemby.”

Green feels he can coach the young stars on the roster and mold them into something brilliant. Experiment with them, coach them, and guide them in a constructive way to fully realize their potential along with the coaches. If this kind of knowledge transfer happens, there’s no stopping the Spurs from reaching the Playoffs, at least next year.

“You [Paul] get the opportunity to lead the young face start of the NBA. That’s a great opportunity to help mold young fella. Who knows where it goes coz Wemby is special.” Well, Green was right there, and Wembanyama left an indelible mark on the league in the first season itself. The 20-year-old center has 254 career blocks in total, which is totally menacing. For reference, he had 207 CB till March 18, this year, and he was already ahead of the 81.4% of the active NBA players as per StatMamba.

Why did Draymond Green refer Chris Paul so highly in his conversation?

Apparently, Green was appreciative of Chris Paul because he is one of the best at what he does in a team game. His status as the point in the NBA can be evident from the stats that over his whole career, he has consistently averaged 17.1 points with 9.4 assists. With over 19 years in the NBA, Chris Paul has surged the overall level of the teams with his presence.

That’s why, from Draymond Green’s perspective, the Spurs chose the 39-year-old point guard to guide Wemby because one gets such an opportunity only when “you’ve been as great as CP has and as respected as CP is.” Also, Green explored the nuances of Paul’s selection, since the latter is quite a “strong personality.” The 34-year-old, while praising Spurs’ choice for CP, added, “For them [Spurs] to feel comfortable bringing you in there, knowing how strong that personality is, they feel good about what you are going to bring to that kid. That’s special.”

Well, no doubt a legend and 9x All-Star player like CP is a great asset to a team. Especially with his vast game presence and IQ, Draymond Green is certainly going to miss him on the Warriors roster. However, the deal is done, and now it’s time to move on. What’s your prediction for Green’s positive words for Paul after his departure? Let us know in the comments.

But before you go, be sure to check this video of Leonardo Armato’s take on the deadly duo, Shaq and Kobe.