They did not part on bad terms and there is no known bad blood between the individuals involved, but when the San Antonio Spurs meet the Golden State Warriors it gives Chris Paul a chance to take the team that let him go after a one-year stint. While the future Hall of Famer has been something of a traveling buddy in recent years, the Bay Area was meant to essentially represent a final stop for the 39-year-old. Gregg Popovich and Victor Wembanyama.
The opportunity he considers an “honor and a privilege” to play for a man he says he “looks up to” was a huge carrot for Paul. In addition to playing for Pop, teaming up with Wemby provided another lure for the 12-time All-Star. He’ll help lead his new team against the sixth franchise he played for in late November.
When Chris Paul Welcomes His Newest Team
The first of three scheduled games against the Warriors will be on November 23. After that, barring an Emirates NBA Cup encounter, it will be four months before they face each other again.
Paul’s trade to Golden State last summer ended their relationship with Jordan Poole. That came just weeks after the Phoenix Suns traded Paul to the Washington Wizards as part of the Bradley Beal deal, meaning the Dubs saw Paul as a piece they hoped would get them back into contention after winning the 2022 NBA championship.
At 46-36, the Warriors made improve by two wins The team played last season, but unlike the year before, they did not reach the playoffs due to a play-in loss to the same Sacramento Kings franchise they beat in a thrilling seven-game first-round series in 2023. With an aging core, general manager Mike Dunleavy, Jr. changed course this summer. While Paul entered free agency, Klay Thompson is now with the Dallas Mavericks via trade.
The Saturday before Thanksgiving will not only see Paul face Steph Curry and Draymond Green for the first time in 2024-25, but it will also mark a first look at players like Kyle Anderson, Buddy Hield and De’Anthony Melton now that the Warriors have a different look. It’s an opportunity for the Wake Forest alum to remind Golden State of what they no longer have. At the same time, it could also prove revealing of what they no longer are.
Related NewsThe article continues below
Paul’s First Dates With Other Former Flames
Throughout his career, the consensus top-10 all-time point guard also played for the New Orleans Hornets, Los Angeles Clippers, Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder and Suns.
Here’s a look at Paul’s first games against each of those teams. On Feb. 7, the Spurs visit the Hornets. On Nov. 4, they visit the Clippers. The Rockets will face San Antonio in the first two home games of the season, Oct. 26 and 28. Two nights later, the Spurs will be at the Thunder. An Emirates NBA Cup game in Phoenix is scheduled for Dec. 3.
It’s not quite the farewell tour the 11-time All-Pro and two-time Olympic gold medalist will experience if, when the time comes, he announces his impending retirement while still playing. But, for now, it’s emblematic of one of the NBA’s great careers.
