Warriors’ Steve Kerr Implores Chris Paul to Not Just Try and 'Fit In’

The Warriors coach was blunt and honest with his comments to Chris Paul.

The new-look Warriors are still trying to figure out the best way to deploy a lineup with three talented guards in Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Chris Paul. And as much as coach Steve Kerr appears to appreciate Paul, the team’s major offseason addition, attempting to “fit in,” he also wishes the former Suns guard would do a bit less of it at times.

When speaking to reporters about the topic, Kerr was candid on the advice he gave to Paul, as The Athletic's Anthony Slater shared.

“I told him we need him to be himself. He’s trying to fit in. Sometimes we need him to go take four mid-range jumpers in a row,” Kerr told reporters of Paul.

Here’s Steve Kerr on Chris Paul coming off the bench tonight. Sounds like part of it is getting Paul in a pick-and-roll heavy lineup.

“I told him we need him to be himself. He’s trying to fit in. Sometimes we need him to go take four mid-range jumpers in a row.” pic.twitter.com/s7WAvVAAeu

— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) October 19, 2023

The discussion centered on a preseason game against the Kings in which Kerr opted to use Paul off the bench. The 38-year-old played starter-level minutes, especially for a preseason game, with 30 in the 116–115 Golden State win.

Paul finished the night with 13 points, nine assists and six rebounds while shooting an impressive 66.6% from the field and knocking down all three of his attempts from beyond the arc.