3 storylines to watch as Suns face Warriors to open NBA season

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 13: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns shoots over Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors in the second half at Chase Center on March 13, 2023 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 13: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns shoots over Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors in the second half at Chase Center on March 13, 2023 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
2 of 3
DENVER, COLORADO – APRIL 29: Chris Paul of the Phoenix Suns gestures. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, COLORADO – APRIL 29: Chris Paul of the Phoenix Suns gestures. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

2. The Chris Paul revenge tour

It was a stunning start to the offseason for the Suns, when they somehow managed to get Beal in return for Chris Paul. The “Point God” was never going to stick around with the Washington Wizards though, not at 38-years-old. The fact he wound up on the Warriors? Crazy.

This is going to have to be seen to be believed, as Paul was a pain in the side of the Warriors throughout their run to four championships. It is also likely there are some bumps in the road here too, because the idea of Paul sharing a court with Curry and Klay Thompson is weird at best.

If there is one outcome in this unexpected alliance you can bet on confidently though, it is that Paul comes out looking 10 years younger on opening night. He will be hurt by the way the Suns dumped him in favor of Beal, even if in his heart he knows the reasons why owner Mat Ishbia did it. Nothing personal, just a chance to add an All-Star eight years Paul’s junior in Beal.

It is unclear yet if Paul will start or come off the bench, although you have to imagine he will be checking into games, perhaps even as a sixth man. If that is the case, look for Paul to torch members of the Suns’ second unit, just to send a message. A young player like Bol Bol he could feast on live on national television.