The idea of future Hall-of-Famer Chris Paul coming off the bench for the Golden State Warriors has been floated around all offseason long. Golden State is reportedly leaning towards Paul leading the second unit and playing a bench role, per NBA insider Shams Charania.

“I think there is a level of momentum of [Chris Paul] coming off the bench,” Charania said on FanDuel's Run It Back, via ClutchPoints. “Then you have a guy like Jonathan Kuminga or Gary Payton II start, trying to get some size in there.”

Warriors: Chris Paul the bench player?

Some Warriors fans won't refer to this decision as shocking necessarily. And given all of the talk during the offseason, the Warriors potentially utilizing Paul off the bench will not be all that surprising. The shocking element of everything is that Chris Paul, arguably the best point guard of all-time, may be a bench player in 2023-24.

Yes, he is 38-years old. CP3 isn't posting the same All-Star caliber numbers he once did during his prime. That said, he is still certainly capable of starting for a contending team.

Charania elaborated on Golden State's expected Paul decision.

“I mean, Chris Paul, he's shown in preseason he's willing to come off the bench,” Charania continued. “He's willing to play whatever role is necessary… I think the Warriors, they have a good thing going with Kevon Looney when he's healthy. So probably have a guy in there for Draymond Green's spot. Draymond Green will be out tonight.”

Golden State's size is lacking overall. Having both Chris Paul and Stephen Curry start wouldn't help in that regard. Starting someone like Kuminga or Payton, especially with Green out due to injury, would help from a size standpoint.

There is a chance that once Green returns Paul will play in the starting rotation. Golden State doesn't need to commit one way or another. The NBA has a long season and the team will have chances to experiment with different lineups.

One thing to remember about Chris Paul is he's a team-first kind of player. Whether he's taking the ball up the court for the starting unit or leading the charge as a backup point guard, CP3 is going to give everything he has in an attempt to help the Warriors win.