Insider Says It’s Clear ‘Calculating’ Chris Paul Holding Out Hope to Start for Warriors

The veteran point guard searching for his first NBA title will look to gel with his new teammates.

In an offseason featuring several marquee names on the move, star point guard Chris Paul’s trade to the Warriors is perhaps the most interesting. The 12-time All-Star is entering his 19th season in the NBA and is still searching for his first championship. A marriage with Golden State would appear to give him a great shot, presuming he’s able to fit in with a backcourt that already has Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson.

But what will Paul’s role look like? According to one NBA insider, it’s the 38-year-old floor general’s preference to be inserted into the starting lineup.

Paul told reporters during his introductory media session that he hasn’t talked about coming off the bench with Warriors coach Steve Kerr. On Thursday, The Athletic‘s Sam Amick reported that Paul is hoping to start alongside Curry and Thompson in a small-ball lineup. He noted that, while it’s feasible for the team to have Paul start and also helm the offense for the second unit, it should not be assumed that Paul will budge on this preference.

“The larger takeaway here is that Paul, at 38 and on the verge of his 19th season, isn’t about to fall in line with the Warriors’ wishes at every turn without making his voice be heard,” Amick wrote.

Paul averaged a career-low 13.9 points per game for the Suns last season but still managed to average 8.9 assists across 59 games, shooting 37.5% on three-point attempts.