The 2024-25 NBA season is just two months away, but excitement is already building for fans, analysts, and former players like Kevin Garnett. Aside from the opening battle between the Knicks and Celtics, the Hall of Famer is eager to see the Spurs in action, especially after the organization acquired Chris Paul.
In the latest episode of the KG: Certified In a podcast, Garnett shared his excitement about seeing the veteran point guard team up with Victor Wembanyama. He said he expects the Frenchman’s offensive production to skyrocket. The Celtics icon said:
“Listen, Wemby, I feel like last year he didn’t make any easy baskets. I feel like everything he made was hard or difficult. And that’s normal, you know you’re playing in the best league in the world with the best players in the world, right? Playing with Chris Paul, he’s going to make easy baskets or easier baskets. And expect San Antonio to be better run, better organized.”
Paul had his least productive season since entering the league last season, but Garnett believes he will bounce back in San Antonio. He admitted the veteran guard has fallen a notch as a scorer, but noted that his court vision and basketball IQ are still among the best in the league.
The Hall of Famer said the Spurs were a perfect fit for the veteran at this stage of his career. The young team desperately needed a leader who could guide the players and he is the perfect man for the job.. Garnett believes the Spurs’ young stars will benefit enormously from Paul’s tutelage. He said:
“Obviously, Pop and his style are what they are. I expect Chris Paul to come in here and organize this young team, and if they can put some pieces together with that kid, I think San Antonio will be one of those teams because he’s the most improved of all the guys.”
Garnett also stressed the need to surround Wembanyama with veterans. Despite the arrival of the 39-year-old point guard, the Spurs are the third-youngest team in the league behind the Oklahoma City Thunder and Utah Jazz.
The Spurs haven’t made the playoffs since 2019. Their five-year hiatus is the longest in franchise history. Before their disappointing run began, they had never gone two straight years without a playoff appearance since entering the league in 1967.
Greg Popovich and management need to start taking action, surround their generational talent with talented players and get back into title contention.
