While optimism was high for the San Antonio Spurs with the addition of the first pick in the 2023 NBA draft, Victor WembanyamaThe Spurs have had another mediocre season, showing many holes in their roster. In other words, Wemby needed help. Leading the team in four of the five major statistical categories, Wembanyama put on a show last season. It was clear that the future looked bright for the France native, but the Spurs clearly need more talent around him,
Wembanyama averaged 21.4 points per game and 10.6 rebounds per game. The 2023-24 Rookie of the Year put on a defensive display, leading the league in blocks with 3.6 per game. He also showed his defensive versatility, averaging 1.2 steals per game and showing his ability to defend a guard in a switching situation.
Finishing 14th in the Western Conference, it was clear the Spurs needed some work. They lacked a high-IQ, pass-first point guard to partner Wemby. Tre JonesThe Spurs’ starting point guard in 48 games last season, had a solid year averaging 10 points and 6.2 assists per game. While Jones has time to develop as a primary point guard, he could stunt the growth of the Spurs’ new deep big man.
New duo CP3 and Wemby look to put Spurs back on the map
Spurs sign Chris Paul
During the offseason, the Spurs signed a veteran Chris Paul to a one-year, $10.46 million contract. Signing a veteran like CP3 with the Spurs can help Wembanyama reach his full potential. He will also help guards like Jones further develop their game and serve as a mentor. Paul is a player who has a deep knowledge of the game and has consistently made the players around him better.
With the Warriors, Paul averaged 9.2 points per game and 6.8 assists per game. He did this while playing a career-low 26.4 minutes per game. The 11-time All-Star had disappointing numbers by his standards during his time with the Warriors. However, his averages per 36 minutes of play for last season fell just short of a double-double at 12.5 points and 9.2 assists per game. He was also efficient from three-point range, shooting 37.1 percent.
He managed to do this despite the lowest usage rate of his career at 15.6%. Although Paul is nearing the end of his career, he has proven that he still has the ability to perform at a high level.
With more playing time, Paul is looking to show that he still has plenty of potential. With head coach Gregg Popovich, a five-time NBA champion, and a talented big man of his generation, Paul can not only revive his career, but revive the Spurs.
