Expert Intel: Can Chris Paul Still Assist the Spurs?
Gaining an inside perspective on what the past-his-prime point guard offers this rebuilding roster.
After kickstarting free agency with the noteworthy signing of Chris Paul to a one-year contract, the San Antonio Spurs were far more silent on the first full day of the annual moratorium period. Despite rumors of the franchise having interest in Nicolas Batum, Tobias Harris, Lauri Markkanen, and Brook Lopez, no moves materialized for PATFO as the dust settled around their lone transaction of the week.
Perhaps it was witnessing other organizations ink their reported targets to brand-new deals or the agony of a slow national news cycle that made Monday feel like it dragged on forever, but fans should be buzzing about the arrival of a future Hall of Famer. Paul is multiple seasons removed from his prime, which makes you wonder what we should expect from him when he finally suits up for the Silver and Black.
Though most of us didn't watch enough Warriors games to come up with an answer to that question, there is one person who spent more hours than anyone else poring over every frame of their film. So, we chatted with Joe Viray, a brilliant basketball writer on the Golden State beat, to get a better idea of where Chris Paul fits into the equation as he crosses the threshold into the twilight of his storied NBA career.
Noah: Chris Paul is no longer a superstar force, but what offensive value will he provide the Spurs?
Joe: Chris Paul won't be putting up the numbers -- he averaged single digits in points and assists last season -- but what he provides is experience and craft at the point guard position a young team like the Spurs didn't really have last year. Much was said about the infamous problem of the Spurs being unable to give Wemby the ball. Well, they won't have that problem with Paul running things.
Noah: Can the future Hall of Famer still be a positive on the defensive end at this stage in his career?
Joe: Paul is far removed from his All-Defensive Team self. At his age and size, he's not going to be able to keep up in terms of lateral movement and hip mobility, but he will give you moments of being a smart team defender who can communicate to his younger teammates and teach them a thing or two about being vocal on defense. The prospect of having Wemby behind patrolling the paint can also mask the aforementioned weaknesses that Paul may have at the point of attack.
Noah: Do you think Paul has enough left in the tank to be the day-one starter for Gregg Popovich?
Joe: Durability concerns are valid, but I think Paul can be the day-to-day starting point guard for Gregg Popovich, with Stephon Castle as his direct understudy. His signing immediately makes him the best passer and decision maker on the team, and no one else on the roster as of the moment can replicate what he can do on the court.
Noah: What intangibles does Paul bring to the table for San Antonio that numbers fail to quantify?
Joe: Much has been said of Paul being a winner, and he is, especially in the regular season. His competitive drive and veteran experience are key intangibles that a young team such as the Spurs can learn from, and something that a competitive generational talent in Wemby can feed off of. I see it as a potential replication of what Paul did for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander during his time with the OKC Thunder: mentoring a young talent with superstar potential and helping him reach the next level.
Noah: After covering him for an entire season, is there anything else fans should know about CP3?
Joe: Chris Paul is an incredibly intelligent player. He's going to be a positive influence on the Spurs. He's the kind of player teams hate playing against (the Warriors certainly did), but would love to have on their team given the opportunity (which the Warriors jumped at). Even if this version isn't a star anymore, there's value in what he brings to a team that is looking to build for the future.
Thanks for obtaining these insights.