The trade bringing Chris Paul to the Golden State Warriors was always one of the most surprising moves. No one expected the veteran point guard to make a move to the Bay Area. However, what raised questions and assumptions were his injuries, and unfortunately, this remains a topic of discussion yet again.
While his time in the Warriors jersey hasn’t been the best, injuries continue to be another factor holding him back in the 2023-24 season. As much as the Golden State fans are anxiously waiting for their prized acquisition to regain full fitness, it could be a long wait.
Chris Paul injury update
Chris Paul, the Golden State Warriors’ point guard, suffered a hand injury during Friday night’s game against the Detroit Pistons. The incident occurred with six minutes remaining in the third quarter when Paul attempted a three-point shot and missed. While rushing to grab the rebound, he collided with Jaden Ivey. As a result, Paul had to leave the game and went to the locker room for further evaluation.
Warriors guard Chris Paul has a fractured left hand and will undergo surgery. pic.twitter.com/ME5eqj0onS
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 6, 2024
Prior to this injury, Chris Paul had been a valuable addition to the Warriors, showcasing playmaking and ball-handling skills. This allowed Stephen Curry, their talisman, who had struggled with his shooting form for a brief period, to regain his clinical play. In the game against the Pistons, Paul contributed eight points, six rebounds, four assists, and one block in 24 minutes of play.
Despite this setback, Paul has enjoyed a relatively healthy season, participating in 31 out of 34 games. He previously missed three games due to a leg injury in November and illness in December. The Warriors will closely monitor Paul’s injury, hoping for his swift recovery. Amidst the challenges, Steve Kerr has provided some hope, increasing the squad’s depth.
Who will Steve Kerr use to cover for Chris Paul absence?
The Golden State Warriors received a devastating blow as star point guard Chris Paul fractured his left hand, requiring surgery next week. With Paul set to be out for an extended period, Coach Steve Kerr faces the challenge of finding a suitable replacement.
Steve Kerr says the Chris Paul extended absence means some extra Podziemski/Cory Joseph point duties, but also Moses Moody's return to the rotation: "I'm excited to get Moses back out there…Great to hear the fans chanting his name."https://t.co/F7rO6s4nqN
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) January 6, 2024
In a press conference, Kerr revealed the team’s plans to distribute point guard duties among Podziemski, Cory Joseph, and the returning Moses Moody, which could not only mean a boost for the team but more minutes for the young stars.
Steve Kerr expressed his excitement about Moses Moody’s return to the rotation, stating, “I’m thrilled to get Moses back out there on the court. The fans have shown tremendous support, and it’s great to hear them chanting his name.”
Reviewing Moody’s performance during the 2023-24 season, he has showcased his versatility, averaging 8.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 0.9 assists per game. He has maintained an impressive field goal percentage of 47.7%.
The Warriors on the other hand, currently hold a .486 winning percentage in the competitive Pacific standings, ranking 5.5 games behind the top spot, showcasing with Paul’s absence, Kerr’s adjustments to the rotation will be crucial in maintaining their standing and propelling the team towards success.
