Klay Thompson of the Golden State Warriors is aware that it will feel strange at first to put on his sneakers next to Chris Paul after many postseason matches. 

Thompson talked about his new teammate in a recent interview with The Athletic, acknowledging that it’s a little awkward after facing Paul for so long. 

It’s a privilege to play with a player who is among the greatest of your generation, Thompson stated to The Athletic. It’s a little strange since we’ve fought Chris on a number of occasions in the past, and he’s managed teams who have either finished ahead of us or came close to doing so back in 2014. 

“I believe he will simply bring the much-needed leadership and soothing presence. Since they are both from North Carolina, I am aware that Steph and him have a lengthy relationship. I’m excited because I know that playing with a passer and playmaker like him will help the adjustment go smoothly for me.” 

After a season in which the team’s chemistry was awry before the Warriors even started their title defense, Golden State made the move for CP3. 

During training camp, Draymond Green gave Jordan Poole a punch during practice, which left him feeling bitter. 

The four-time NBA champion was in the starting lineup at the start of the 2022–23 season after Green was fined by the club but not suspended. 

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr talked about how Green’s punch affected the club during the season in his post-season interview.

Kerr responded, “There was some of that that was lost this year, for sure,” when questioned about the team’s dynamic during the campaign. “There’s no avoiding that; the early-year incident with Draymond and Jordan contributed to that. That is difficult for a team to ignore.”The procedure becomes far more challenging whenever there is a loss of trust, and this was the case. I can only be as direct as that. Maintaining contact with players and coaches is the only way to attempt to change direction, and those connections must be established. The ties must be established. That seems to be our main priority during the offseason. We need to return to what has allowed us to achieve such great success: a highly dependable atmosphere and a team that strengthens one another.”