The Golden State Warriors signed veteran point guard Cory Joseph early on in 2023 NBA free agency. Joseph provides some needed point guard depth after the Warriors let Ty Jerome sign with the Cleveland Cavaliers. He also acts as an insurance option in case injuries arise with Stephen Curry or Chris Paul.
Joseph’s steadiness and leadership have made him a valuable asset to every team he’s been on. There’s no doubt he’ll bring those same qualities to the Warriors. Coming off a long and productive NBA career so far, Joseph is looking to win his second NBA championship.
The Ideal, Consummate Vet
Joseph couldn’t have been a better option for the Golden State Warriors. He has 12 years of NBA experience and has recently spent the past two years mentoring the Detroit Pistons’ young core. Warriors youngsters Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody can learn from Joseph and pick his brain as much as they’d like. Since Joseph has thorough experience leading younger teams, the connections he makes with Kuminga and Moody may prove to be pivotal toward their growth.
Additionally, Joseph will be a great asset to the Warriors’ veterans and the coaching staff. The Warriors know what they will get from him every time he plays. Joseph’s high basketball IQ is invaluable, and he has experience playing with a variety of star players whether he’s on or off the ball. His pesky defense, improved 3-point shooting and solid playmaking make him an excellent fit in any lineup.
Even if Joseph gets limited playing time, his easygoing nature and versatile skillset make him an easy player to work with and coach.
Previous Championship and Playoff Experience
Joseph won his first NBA championship in 2014 with the San Antonio Spurs. He played an important role as one of the team’s primary backup point guards in just his third NBA season. In 2016 Joseph served as the Toronto Raptors’ backup point guard in their first-ever Eastern Conference finals run.
Moreover, he was also a backup point guard on the Indiana Pacers in 2018 and 2019, which was his last playoff experience. This thorough playoff resume makes Joseph the perfect role player for a championship run. Even though his only championship was nine years ago, Joseph is a winning player with winning habits. His playoff pedigree will do wonders on a Warriors team with championship aspirations.
The Warriors’ Deep Point Guard Rotation
Considering the Warriors already have Curry and Paul in their point guard rotation, Joseph will likely receive limited minutes. Although, both Curry and Paul haven’t played more than 65 games in each of the past two seasons. This means Joseph will get a decent amount of playing time when Curry or Paul or out. If injuries plague Curry and Paul throughout the 2024 season, Joseph may play around 50 to 60 games.
However, if Curry and Paul are consistently available, Joseph may not see much court time at all. Joseph’s minutes depend on Curry and Paul’s availability, so it’s difficult to project how Joseph might perform. Curry and Paul should stay healthy behind the plan of Rick Celebrini and the Warriors’ medical staff, but there’s no telling when a freak injury could occur.
Joseph’s Uncertain, Yet Feasible Role
All things considered, Joseph should play around 45 to 50 games because there may definitely be times when the Warriors intentionally rest either Curry or Paul. As far as stats, Joseph will probably average somewhere around five points per game (PPG) and three assists with roughly 40 percent from the 3-point line. Joseph should be fairly consistent and efficient when he’s on the court, even if his minutes are limited overall. When he’s in the rotation during a Curry or Paul absence, Joseph should see around 15 to 20 minutes per game as the Warriors’ stable backup point guard.
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Featured photo courtesy of NBA.com.