It’s no secret veteran guard Chris Paul elevates those around him through his playmaking and high basketball IQ. For former NBA star Isaiah Thomas, though, the San Antonio Spurs’ acquisition of the Point God will take French big man Victor Wembanyama to the next level.
Just recently, Paul has agreed to join the Spurs on a one-year, $11 million-plus contract after being released by the Golden State Warriors. The Warriors were unable to find a suitable trade partner for the 39-year-old, leading them to waive him ahead of a deadline that would have guaranteed his $30 million contract for the upcoming season.
Paul’s move to San Antonio pairs him with Wembanyama, who was selected first overall in the 2023 NBA Draft. The Spurs are hoping that the experienced point guard can provide valuable leadership and guidance to the young team as they continue their rebuilding efforts.
While Paul’s scoring abilities have declined from his All-Star prime, he remains a capable playmaker and floor general who can contribute in a secondary role. In his lone season with the Warriors, he averaged 9.2 points, 6.8 assists, 3.9 rebounds, 1.3 turnovers, and 1.2 steals per game, shooting 44.1 percent from the field and 37.1% from three-point range.
How Chris Paul Can Impact San Antonio Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama According to Former NBA Star Isaiah Thomas
The addition of Paul to the Spurs’ roster just added valuable experience and depth to a team that is looking to take the next step in its development. For Thomas, though, his presence will help San Antonio’s franchise player in ways people could never imagine, as seen in a tweet he posted on X.
“Damn that’s a good pickup!! Perfect PG to help mentor Wemby,” Thomas tweeted.
Over the course of 71 games, Wembanyama averaged 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.2 steals, and 3.6 blocks per contest. The presence of Paul is projected to give the French star a talented playmaker and floor general to unlock his true potential on the court next season.
While the NBA won’t return until later this year, the promising pair of Paul and Wemby will shape up to be a good one for San Antonio. If all things go well, the Spurs get the chance to go back to the playoffs and compete in the coming years. Moreover, the young French star will get to learn from one of the best basketball minds in the NBA and soak up all the experience he has in the league.
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