Golden State Warriors and former NBA All-Star guard Chris Paul is set to return from injury tomorrow night against the Washington Wizards, per The Athletic’s Sham Charania.
Warriors guard Chris Paul – out since Jan. 5 due to fractured hand – is listed as available to return Tuesday vs. Wizards.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 26, 2024
Paul has missed 21 consecutive games due to a hand injury. The Warriors have a 12-9 record during this time.
In the games he has played, Paul is averaging 8.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game. Furthermore, he is shooting 42.4% from the field, including 36.1% from the three-point line.
The Warriors currently have a 29-27 record on the season and own the No. 10 seed in the Western Conference. With the momentum on their side, the 12-time All-Star’s return will be a huge boost for Golden State.
NBA News: Chris Paul Injury Timeline Revealed
Chris Paul’s Season with the Golden State Warriors
In the offseason, the Phoenix Suns traded Paul to the Wizards in a package for Bradley Beal. Shortly after, the Wizards flipped Paul to the Warriors.
Though his numbers are down from what NBA fans are accustomed to, Paul has mostly acted as a sixth man for the first time in his career. Despite having a reduced role, Paul is making an impact in the Warriors locker room, per teammate Kevon Looney:
“He hasn’t tried to force it, try to be that, ‘I’m the leader now,’ type of guy,” Looney said. “He’s been really trying to fit in, learn the culture, but he has so much knowledge, instantly, when he talks, everybody listens. We all have respect for him and what he’s done in this league. He’s one of the best ever. People are looking for him for his voice and his leadership. He’s probably not expecting it, but we need his voice for us to be good this year.”
Furthermore, Paul was subject to trade rumors heading into the 2024 NBA Trade Deadline due to his non-guaranteed contract next season and lesser role in Golden State. However, weeks following the deadline, Paul is still a member of the Warriors. In fact, per HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, the Warriors “view [him] as more than just an expiring contract”:
The Warriors view Chris Paul as more than just an expiring contract. They do feel that he’s a key part of what they’re doing. In the minutes he’s played, he’s played pretty well for a guy that’s 39. He’s expected to return sometime around the All-Star break in that range.
It is currently unknown what Paul’s role will be for Golden State upon his return. However, getting him back can also take a load off Stephen Curry for the rest of the season.
The Last Word
Getting a veteran and future NBA Hall of Famer back from injury is always a good thing. The Warriors have been on a roll this month, and it will be interesting to see how easily Paul can slide back into the rotation. The 38-year-old Paul is still capable of running the floor and being an effective point guard.
