While optimism was high for the San Antonio Spurs with the addition of the first pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs still had a poor season, showing many holes in their lineup. In other words, Wemby needed some help. Leading the team in four out of five major stat categories, Wembanyama put on a show last season. It was evident that the future looks bright for the French native, but the Spurs clearly need more talent around him,
Wembanyama averaged 21.4 points per game to go along with 10.6 rebounds per game. The 2023-24 Rookie of the Year put on a defensive clinic, leading the league in blocks at 3.6 per outing. He also showed his defensive versatility, averaging 1.2 steals per game and showing the ability to defend a guard during a switch situation.
Finishing 14th in the Western Conference, it was evident that the Spurs needed some work. They lacked a high IQ, pass-first point guard to pair up with Wemby. Tre Jones, starting point guard for the Spurs 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 the primary ball-handler, he might suppress the growth of the Spurs’ new and profound big.
New Duo Of CP3 And Wemby Look To Put Spurs Back On Map
Spurs Sign Chris Paul
During the offseason, the Spurs signed veteran Chris Paul to a one year, $10.46 million deal. Having a veteran like CP3 sign with the Spurs can help Wembanyama to reach his full potential. He will also help the guards such as Jones develop their game further and serve as a mentor. Paul is a player who has extensive knowledge of the game and has always made the players around him better.
With the Warriors, Paul averaged 9.2 points per game to go along with 6.8 assists per game. He did this on a career-low in minutes per game at 26.4. The 11-time All-Star had underwhelming stats by his standards in his stint with the Warriors. However his per-36 minute averages for last season just missed a double-double at 12.5 points and 9.2 assists per game. He also was efficient from beyond the arc, shooting 37.1%.
He was able to do that despite having the lowest usage rate of his career at 15.6%. While Paul is in near the end of his career, he proved that he still has the ability to perform at a high level.
With increased playing time, Paul is looking to show that he has a lot left in the tank. With five-time NBA champion head coach Gregg Popovich along with a generationally talented big-man, Paul can not only revive his career, but revive the Spurs as well.
Chris Paul on @TheHerd last week:
“I’ve played long enough to know that you can’t say this is it or that’s going to be it. I think what I’m most excited about at this point in my career is getting started.”
— Jah (@JahlilWill) August 5, 2024
With Paul entering the final stages of his career, this is an opportunity to open up a new door for him. Taking Wemby under his wing puts him and the Spurs in a great position.
The Spurs Next Chapter
This new duo, along with recently acquiring Harrison Barnes, have made a major leap since last season. The Spurs are looking to make a playoff push in the 2024-25 season. The Spurs have multiple first-round picks in the following two drafts. Pairing those up with their talented young players, the Spurs are in a good spot. With Popovich in charge of this talented team, the sky is the limit.
