NBA insider Marc Stein is reporting that the Spurs are “reportedly” interested in Golden State Warriors point guard Chris Paul. This isn’t the first time CP3 and San Antonio have been linked in rumors. The team’s obvious need for a point guard and Paul’s uncertain future make the two a perfect fit for each other in the short term if the front office doesn’t see a way to land their point guard of the future this offseason.
The sensitive history between Silver and Black and God Point must be recognized. Paul led several teams, namely New Orleans and the Clippers, to the playoffs, only to meet the Spurs for epic battle after epic battle.
Unfortunately, one of the last memorable matchups saw Chris Paul bury a contested shot against Tim Duncan and Danny Green in Game 7 of the first round to kill San Antonio’s chance of a repeat in 2015. Even so, DeAndre Jordan’s explanation of CP3’s style should convince fans of the value Paul’s presence could bring.
DeAndre Jordan joined Paul George on his podcast and talked about Chris Paul’s leadership style. pic.twitter.com/CCKNYxuHEl
— Jah (@JahlilWill) June 30, 2024
Paul will enter his 20th year in the NBA when the season begins in October. He’ll be a first-ballot Hall of Famer, and that takes no argument. He has a wealth of knowledge to teach the players on this roster. If the Spurs could get Paul to 2-1-0, they would give these guys the bottom floor overall. The point guard is supposed to be an extension of the coach; there is no better player for this position than Chris Paul. He will hold everyone accountable at all times.
Paul’s play with Victor Wembanyama in pick and roll would be masterful. He would help the young star understand how to manipulate his positioning and leverage to place the ball in advantageous spots on the pitch. He’s a master at shooting when he wants to and it’s a skill he could teach Devin Vassell. Jeremy Sochan would benefit from the way he organizes his teammates to be in the right place at the right time.
There wouldn’t be much downside to Paul joining the team. He doesn’t defend like he used to, and he can’t break down defenses with the dribble anymore, but that wouldn’t be what he’d be asked to do. As long as he can still eliminate open catch-and-shoot opportunities, the offense will be improved by his presence. The defense would need more work, but when you have Victor Wembanyama, Jeremy Sochan, Devin Vassell, and now Stephon Castle on your side, you’ll be fine with a little effort.