Chris Paul Will Have Transformative Impact In San Antonio

After getting released by the Golden State Warriors (who didn’t want to pay him $30 million next season), future Hall of Fame point guard Chris Paul quickly signed with the San Antonio Spurs. The terms of the deal: one year for $11 million, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. 

It was clear that Paul didn’t fit within Golden State’s system and never caught his stride backing up Steph Curry for most of last season, averaging 9.2 points on 44.1% shooting (37.1% from three), 3.9 rebounds, 6.8 assists in 26.4 minutes per game. 

Not only will Paul’s veteran leadership play a huge role within San Antonio’s locker room, but he should be a solid producer in an organization that prides itself on team-centric play. Despite holding the 26th Offensive Rating (109.3) in the NBA last season and finishing 22-60 overall, San Antonio ranked 1st in Assist Percentage (71.2%), but 17th in Assist/Turnover Ratio (1.97). Paul should improve efficiency based on his facilitation skills. 

The point guard position also consists of four-year veteran Tre Jones and rookie Stephon Castle, the 4th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft out of UConn. I’m not sold on Jones’ future, but I think Castle is going to make a transformative impact on the defensive end of the floor. No team allowed more than the 26.94 points San Antonio surrendered to opposing point guards last season. The Spurs also allowed 8.75 assists per game to the position, 10th-most. 

With Victor Wembanyama likely ready to put forth an All-NBA season, the Spurs have a talented supporting cast with Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, Jeremy Sochan and Zach Collins, along with more more likely free agent signings.Rookies Castle and Harrison Ingram will also both likely be in Gregg Popovich’s rotation. 

Playoff odds aren’t listed yet, but when they are, consider the Spurs at what will be long odds. They’re +3500 to win their division at BetMGM!