“I have despised Chris for many years,” San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said on media day. They’re thrilled to be together now, of course. Having signed Chris Paul, do you think the San Antonio Spurs have the final piece of their puzzle? Possessing one of the best talents in the NBA, the Spurs already have Victor Wembanyama on their roster. Can Chris Paul combine with Victor Wembanyama to take them to new heights?

Last season, CP3’s career took a significant downturn. The 12-time All-Star saw career lows, during his time with the Golden State Warriors, across various metrics like minutes per game, total minutes played, field goal attempts per game, and usage. Having a reduced role with the California-based team was unfamiliar territory for him, and the primary offensive force he had been on previous teams struggled to adapt.

But now the moment has finally arrived. The NBA veteran and last season’s Rookie of the Year will don the same colors and score points in the same bucket. The Spurs will host the Magic at the Frost Bank Center on October 9, 2024. The game is set to begin at 8:00 PM ET and will be broadcast on NBA League Pass Channel 2. You can also stream the game on Fubo.tv.

Can Chris Paul propel the San Antonio Spurs to new heights? Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has a key insight

As CP3 prepares for his first appearance in a Spurs uniform, the preseason offers an exciting glimpse into how this new-look team could take shape. Paul could have an immediate impact on the team as he takes charge of the offense, building chemistry with Wembanyama and the rest of the roster. Coaches often experiment with different lineups during the preseason, but Paul’s arrival could very likely provide stability and structure to the young squad. Paul’s former teammate has a crucial insight in this regard.

Even though SGA and CP3 played together for only one season (2019-20) with the Oklahoma City Thunder, they appear to have formed a good relationship. Gilgeous-Alexander explained a crucial trait associated with CP3. “Chris was the first player I was around that was very particular about the things outside of basketball,” he said. “He was the first person I was around that ate a certain way and made sure they were lifting a certain amount of times during the week.”

“He would watch basketball games differently, not watching as a fan, and I think that kind of edge outside of the court is the thing that makes him who he is as a player,” SGA added.

Will this be the edge that the Spurs require to perform well this season? With Wembanyama looking fully focused, Paul’s impact on the team could be greater. Fans will be eager to see how the Paul-Wembanyama duo can work together, and their on-court chemistry may very well set the team’s tone for the rest of the season.

Wembanyama, known for his ability to score from anywhere on the court and protect the rim with his impressive wingspan, will likely thrive with Paul’s guidance. Imagine Wembanyama running the floor while Paul orchestrates the offense—whether it’s through alley-oops, pick-and-rolls, or finding the big man on mismatches, the potential is limitless.

In the end, Paul’s ability to elevate those around him, combined with Wembanyama’s unique skill set, has the potential to create something special in San Antonio. All eyes will be on the Spurs as they step into this new chapter, ready to see how far this dynamic duo can take them.