Warriors Injury Update: Coach Kerr Puts Timeline on Chris Paul Return After 18-Game Absence

The Golden State Warriors have another piece of good news. Their “Point God” is set to make a comeback soon. In the pregame presser, Steve Kerr revealed a positive update on Chris Paul. CP3, who has been out since January with a broken hand, seems to have made a full recovery.

Although Paul won’t suit up for tonight’s Warriors vs Lakers, Kerr said, “He’ll come back on the road trip… next week.” He was all praises for the veteran guard, as well. “We can’t wait to get Chris Back. He’s been one of our best players, he’s in all of our best lineups… it’s great to have the option to close with him.”

Coach Kerr also mentioned how Chris had completed a full 5-on-5 practice during their training session. So, all that’s left for the training staff is to understand where he stands in terms of conditioning. On the fifth of January, Paul sustained the injury when playing against the Detroit Pistons.

A missed three-pointer in the third quarter by Chris saw him trying to land the rebound when he crashed into Jaden Ivey. It was his left hand that received the impact, leaving it fractured. This marked his fifth left-hand surgery. Kerr had mentioned post-game, how irked Paul looked as he left the game. After all, it isn’t fun to be hit in the same weak spot again and again.

But he managed to keep his spirits up. And with the constant checking in from his teammates and rehabilitation, Chris Paul is finally set to return to a changed team.

Chris Paul might find the atmosphere of the Warriors different from when he left it

When the 12x All-Star left the team in early January, the Warriors were still fumbling about. Green was still suspended, Wiggins was relegated to the bench, Kuminga and Moody were unhappy with their roles in the team, and so much more. But since then, there have been a lot of changes.

Read More: Warriors Injury Update: Play-off Run Looks Hopeful as Huge News on Chris Paul Drops

The most important was Draymond’s return. The effect was immediate. Kuminga and Wiggs suddenly started playing better and managed to create somewhat of a chemistry. Green’s presence on the court showed a marked improvement in the Warriors’ defense. The team also seems to have found something of a stability in their starting lineup featuring Curry, Kuminga, Green, Podziemski, and Wiggins.

Before the All-Star break, the Dubs had one of their best games of the season. Kerr had Klay Thompson come off the bench, and he posted his best numbers vs the Jazz (35 points). The Warriors had defeated Utah 140-137. So, Paul will be coming back to a team that has changed for the better. And while it’s a good thing, Kerr might find a bit of a challenge in incorporating him into the closing lineup.

But, at the end of the day, as Kerr said, if the whole team is committed to winning the game and recognizing that each night will be different, the Warriors can make the playoffs!