The San Antonio Spurs signed Chris Paul to a one-year, $11 million+ contract to be the veteran point guard Victor Wembanyama needs to unlock the next facet of his game. Paul is excited to get started on this new journey, sharing a message with his new fanbase while praising head coach Gregg Popovich.
"Hey, what's up Sours fans? Just wanted to let you know how excited I am to get to San Antonio. I would have never thought in a million years that I would have gotten an opportunity to play for Pop, but I'm so excited. Excited about this young and talented team, I cannot wait to get there and get to work and see what we got a chance to do."
Chris Paul checking in pic.twitter.com/ByJd12RNYb
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) July 9, 2024
CP3 is coming off the worst season of his career, averaging 9.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 6.8 assists for the Warriors while struggling with injuries and primarily being used in a bench role. He's expected to be the Spurs' starter next season while getting a decent-sized contract for a 6'0" point guard who is turning 40 years old next season.
Paul is a terrific leader and can add more structure to the locker room alongside Gregg Popovich. He'll also be an instrumental mentor to Spurs' first-round pick this season, Stephon Castle.
Popovich is arguably the greatest coach in NBA history, commanding huge respect from the players and legends around the NBA. Paul, who is expected to one day make a switch into coaching will be keenly studying how Pop prepares for games to try and borrow the same in a future destination.
Wembanyama's rookie season lived up to the hype, as he came in as a generational prospect and gave us generational production on the defensive end by finishing second in the Defensive Player of the Year race as a rookie, the first time this has happened in NBA history.
New Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George already is convinced the league is in trouble next season given the momentum Wembanyama will be carrying into next season.
“The way he finished the year, I think it's scary for the league because I think the way he finished the year was the momentum he needed going into the summer. It's just the personnel is not ready for all that he brings and his talents."
Wembanyama has been seen bulking up, looking like a much stronger player as he competes alongside the French national team at the 2024 Olympics. The international experience should further season him to lead the Spurs into the Playoffs this season, especially with the veterans around him
Paul isn't the only veteran on the Spurs roster, as the franchise also acquired Harrison Barnes via trade from the Sacramento Kings. These players should accelerate Wembanyama's winning timeline without forcing the Spurs to commit to them being long-term members of the franchise.
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