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Chris Paul’s role with the Warriors remains largely unknown, but according to his new teammate Draymond Green, he is confident that Paul will help unleash the full potential of third-year forward Jonathan Kuminga. Green bases his theory on the transformation of Suns center Deandre Ayton after Paul’s arrival in Phoenix in 2020. Ayton, who was initially considered a disappointment, has now developed into a key player for the Suns as they gear up for the 2023-24 season, positioning themselves as Western Conference contenders.
“No disrespect to Ayton, but more so a nod to CP,” Green expressed during an episode of “Podcast P with Paul George.” “The impact he had on Jonathan Kuminga’s game and unlocking his potential cannot be understated.”
Kuminga was selected by the Warriors as the No. 7 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, and in his first two seasons, he has primarily served as a role player alongside Golden State’s established stars such as Green, Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Jordan Poole. With an average of only 9.6 points per game and 28 starts, Kuminga has yet to reach his full potential.
Ayton, on the other hand, has steadily improved throughout his first five professional seasons, consistently recording double-doubles despite being benched during the 2022 and 2023 playoffs. There were even rumors of him being traded this offseason until Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report confirmed that Ayton would stay in Phoenix.
Paul joined the Suns in November 2020 after being traded from the Thunder. Green noted that Ayton’s transformation into an All-Star level player after Paul’s arrival is evidence of the impact Paul can have on young talent. “People didn’t know what Deandre Ayton would become, and then CP came in and suddenly Ayton reached a whole new level,” Green explained. “So I believe that Paul will have a significant impact on Jonathan Kuminga’s development. It’s absolutely huge, and I’m excited to learn from him.”
Green, who has become one of the more experienced players on the Warriors roster since their loss in the 2019 NBA Finals and the departure of Kevin Durant, wants to take on a mentoring role with younger players. He sees the opportunity to observe Paul’s interactions with younger players as invaluable. Although Green has not yet spoken with Paul since the trade, he is eagerly anticipating the chance to connect and learn from him before the 2023-24 season begins, as the Warriors seek redemption after their loss in the Western Conference semifinals against the Lakers.
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