Paul’s bold early-season prediction proves Warriors are already locked in
By Cal Durrett
After failing to defend their title last season, the Golden State Warriors shook up their roster by trading for future Hall of Famer Chris Paul this summer. Paul’s acquisition has been cause for speculation, given his questionable fit with the team’s existing core. However, Paul, who may be entering the final season of his legendary career, has his sights set on a championship as well as one other accolade.
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The NBA Cup, the league’s new in-season tournament, will give Paul and the Warriors two chances to win it all. While the in-season tournament doesn’t yet have the same prestige as an NBA Finals, it would be a great early-season test for the new-look Warriors. Additionally, winning the first NBA Cup would help legitimize the tournament and give Paul his first ever NBA championship of sorts.
Warriors: Would winning the NBA Cup affect Paul’s legacy?
Ring culture is strong in the NBA and not winning a championship this season would hurt Paul’s legacy in some aspects. On the other hand, winning an NBA Cup this season might help, though perhaps not initially. Championships aside, Paul is one of the most decorated point guards ever, and adding the first-ever NBA Cup to his resume would still be a major accomplishment. This is even if it might take some time for it to gain some traction and build up a history of its own.
In the meantime, the Golden State Warriors will have to start off the season shorthanded, with Draymond Green out for the first month of the 2023-24 season. That will hopefully give them a chance to integrate Paul into the starting lineup and the team faster than they otherwise might’ve. Whether that will help them win the first-ever NBA Cup is TBD, but Paul and the Warriors are apparently focused on winning it.