Los Angeles Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell, left, drives past Golden State Warriors guard Chris Paul during the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game Friday, Oct. 13, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
On a far court in the Warriors practice facility, Chris Paul backs his body into Stephen Curry playing defense and tries to take the two-time NBA MVP 1-on-1 after a recent practice. Moments later, it’s Curry’s turn on offense and he drives on Paul.
They take turns firing up shot after shot from every perimeter spot. In games, they drive, dish and find each other – smiling or pointing to celebrate the playmaking while quickly establishing a rhythm.
As Curry and Chris work on their chemistry, the Warriors believe the addition of the veteran guard can provide Golden State with the immediate energy reminiscent to the lift instantly provided by Kevin Durant during his two seasons in the Bay Area.
“He obviously plays a certain way, I play a certain way and there’s kind of a challenge there of I’ll lead a certain part of the workout, he’ll lead a certain part of the workout, kind of sharpen the tool kit that way,” Curry said. “It’s really good right now in terms of the pace that we’re trying to go and the work that we’re trying to put in, the accountability to take advantage of training camp. We’re doing it together.”
Paul is confident he’s fitting in just fine.
With the departure of Jordan Poole, Paul will be key in the Warriors pursuit of a another championship — though they are far from the only title contenders in the Pacific Division.
Durant and the Suns will have something to say about the Warriors’ title hopes — as will LeBron James and the Lakers, along with those upstart Sacramento Kings.
A look at each team in the Pacific Division in predicted order of finish:
GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
Coach Steve Kerr also has enjoyed watching the relationship between Draymond Green and Paul develop, even with Green sidelined by an ankle injury early.
“There’s really good chemistry in terms of their connection, they spent a lot of time together this summer both in LA and playing pickup,” Kerr said. “The on-court stuff will just have to unfold when Draymond comes back.”
The Warriors fell short of the big goal to get back to the NBA Finals and chase back-to-back championships when they lost to James and the Lakers in the Western Conference semifinals.
Andrew Wiggins finding some continuity again will be key after he missed significant time for injuries, illness and personal reasons last season and played just 37 games in the regular season.
PHOENIX SUNS
The Suns have undergone a dramatic transformation under new owner Mat Ishbia, overhauling the roster in an attempt to bring its first championship since the franchise was founded in 1968.
Three-time All-Star Devin Booker is the only player who remains from the team’s trip to the Finals in 2021. He’ll be part of the team’s Big 3 that includes 13-time All-Star Durant and three-time All-Star Bradley Beal.
The Suns recently added center Jusuf Nurkic, Grayson Allen and others in a trade, sending former No. 1 overall pick Deandre Ayton to Portland. They also have a new coach in Frank Vogel, who won an NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020.
