Former Suns Can Help Warriors Continue Dominance
The Golden State Warriors have been the gold standard for over the last decade in the NBA, stringing together a stretch that's only been matched by the Chicago Bulls and Michael Jordan in the 1990's.
It almost feels off when the Warriors aren't the ones dancing under the confetti with the Larry O'Brien trophy at their disposal. Their core of Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green have remained a staple throughout their golden years, and after watching the Denver Nuggets win the NBA Finals, some moves were made to potentially keep them at the top of the Western Conference.
The first of which came via trade with the Washington Wizards, where they acquired former Phoenix Suns point guard Chris Paul. Paul now arrives to an already loaded backcourt with Curry/Thompson, and though it's unknown what exactly will be his role for the 2023-24 season, it's clear he'll be able to contribute however they need him.
Their most recent addition came via free agency, where former Suns power forward Dario Saric inked a one-year deal with the team.
According to The Athletic's Anthony Slater, Paul was vocal about wanting to link up again with his former Phoenix teammate:
"There’s another appealing element to the Šarić addition for the Warriors. He spent a season and a half in Phoenix playing next to Chris Paul, the Warriors’ other high-profile offseason addition. I’m told Paul was a vocal fan of the Warriors adding Šarić in recent days. The duo is comfortable with each other and should form the backbone of the Warriors’ new older and more methodical second unit," wrote Slater.
"Šarić scored off 41 Paul assists the season the Suns won the West. When Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton left the floor, it was often Šarić running a two-man game with Paul up top. He isn’t the explosive lob threat that centers such as DeAndre Jordan or Tyson Chandler once were for Paul, but he’s worked well with all types of pick-and-roll partners. Šarić is a skilled big who can pick-and-pop capably and slip into a crack for layups."
As if the Suns-Warriors divisional rivalry needed any extra spice, the two sides should now be more familiar with each other than ever. Kevin Durant's arrival to the Suns at the trade deadline also adds into the mix, as he won two NBA titles with Golden State before moving on to the Brooklyn Nets.
For what it's worth, new Suns head coach Frank Vogel is also familiar with the Warriors thanks to his tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers. Phoenix fans are hopeful he can replicate some of that same success in bringing the Suns their first franchise NBA title this season.
