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CP3’s arrival at the Golden State Warriors was an event that created mixed reactions amongst the fan base. While some believed swapping a younger point guard with a veteran didn’t look like a good recipe, others were sure that his experience would be what would make all the difference. And it would seem that is indeed the case. In charge of the Dubs’ bench unit, Chris Paul has been nothing short of a teacher for the younger hoopers.

Many a time have this group taken over a relatively hopeless matchup and turned it around. Or at least it was a dignified loss. And it must be exactly why the Warriors assistant coach, Ron Adams said, “Chris has slowed down some but he still plays at such a high level, and he’s kind of like [Roger] Federer in tennis.”

“He just loves playing the game. This kind of infectious attitude, this willingness to teach… I’ve never seen anyone like him.”

 

The comparison isn’t off base either. Roger Federer’s love for the game transcends any other tennis greats. In a 2008 interview, The Mighty Fed said that “he lived and breathed tennis”. The idea of the greats of the sport still being around when the next generation is on their way to making their mark fascinated him. It seems like this fascination carried off the court, too. He regularly invited promising youngsters to practice with him in Switzerland and Dubai. None of this would make any sense if the man did not love the game. But he did, and it was this passion that kept him going until his retirement at the age of 41.

The “Point God” has a similar line of thought, too. Although his history with the Warriors and the many narratives typically characterized him as a villain, the one thing no one can contest is his love for the game. The 38-year-old himself pointed out that if he didn’t have any joy in playing the sport, he wouldn’t be doing it for 19 years! But this passion is something he is trying to inculcate in the younger players, too. In a recent post-game interview, Paul said, “It is like a coach cause you should be worried if I ain’t saying nothing to you. Seriously, I’m just constantly trying to teach and play and compete at the same time.” 

Long story short, the Dubs are simply better for having Chris Paul on their team.

 

Chris Paul stats

Despite Paul’s recent injury that kept him away for 21 games, he is averaging 9.2 points, 6.8 assists, and 3.0 rebounds per game while shooting 38.6% from the three-point line and 44.4% from the field. The Dubs had gone 12-9 in his absence from January 5 and 13-7 since his comeback in the February 27 win over Washington.

But more importantly, Chris Paul’s impact on the court as a nuisance on defense and remarkable orchestrator on offense will prove to be a challenge for opponents. With offense running through him, Stephen Curry will be free to run for open shots. And his brilliance as a playmaker means that any player on the team that gets open will effortlessly find himself with a point blank shot.

With just five games left for the post season, the Warriors are on an all-hands-on-deck approach. If they can get three wins, the Dubs will find themselves with a straight ticket to the playoffs. Chris Paul can certainly help with that.