Hoops Habit
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5 NBA players facing do-or-die 2023–2024 seasons

By Holden Walter-Warner

DALLAS, TEXAS - MARCH 24: Kyrie Irving #2 of the Dallas NBA Mavericks congratulates Luka Doncic #77 during the first half against the Charlotte Hornets at American Airlines Center on March 24, 2023 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TEXAS - MARCH 24: Kyrie Irving #2 of the Dallas NBA Mavericks congratulates Luka Doncic #77 during the first half against the Charlotte Hornets at American Airlines Center on March 24, 2023 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images) /
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Chris Paul and Stephen Curry talk during last season’s Christmas game Golden State won in Phoenix.Chris Paul Curry 1 2
Chris Paul and Stephen Curry talk during last season’s Christmas game Golden State won in Phoenix.Chris Paul Curry 1 2 /

NBA: G Chris Paul, Golden State Warriors

Chris Paul is a first-ballot Hall of Fame player. How could he possibly be facing a do-or-die season at this point of his career, especially as a member of the Golden State Warriors?

Fair or not, many legends are judged by how many rings they have on their finger. Paul has none, only making it to the NBA Finals one time in his career, doing so two years ago with his previous team, the Phoenix Suns.

When the Warriors swung the deal for Paul, it was an acknowledgment that both sides could benefit from the pairing, as long as they were willing to sacrifice. Paul will likely need to come off the bench. In exchange, he can help prolong the Warriors’ dynasty for another year and secure his first ring in the process.

Paul is undoubtedly one of the best point guards to ever do it – a “Point God” among men. He’ll be playing with another one of the best point guards of all-time, one who changed the way the game is played in Steph Curry. It should be fun seeing those two on the same bench.

But Paul’s legacy is on the line this season, deservingly or not. If he can find himself in a new role and help the Warriors make another championship run, that makes all of the movement across the Western Conference in recent years worth it. If he falls short of a title again, he may become one of the greatest players without a title in the game’s history.