Here’s why…
I don’t know why, but I’ve always wanted Chris Paul to join the San Antonio Spurs (which he recently did).
Maybe it’s because he’s one of my favourite players and the Spurs are one of my favourite teams.
Maybe it’s because he seems like a “Spurs’ player,” ya know?
CP3 is unselfish, has a high IQ, is hardworking and emphasizes the importance of the fundamentals.
He shares the same characteristics and playstyle as some of the great Spurs, such as Tony Parker, Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, David Robinson and Avery Johnson.
And Paul joining the Spurs, with his accolades, at this stage in his career, is the ultimate sacrifice. He’s giving up the chance to win a title to become a big brother on a young team.
Though I want CP3 to win a title -because I think he deserves one- Paul joining the Spurs to mentor Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle and the rest of the team is respectable.
How CP3 Is Going to Help the Spurs
He’s going to help them a lot.
Paul is going to pass down everything he knows. He’s going to teach them how to manipulate the rules, pick-and-roll in a variety of ways, read passing lanes, control the pace of the game, train for longevity, play make and set up lobs.
(Boy, am I excited for the lobs!)
He’s also going to show them his special move –the elbow jumper.
Could you imagine Wemby doing CP3’s elbow jumper? Who’s going to stop that?
I love this acquisition and have been wanting Paul to join the Spurs for years.
Even though the chances of him winning a championship with this team are slim, his guidance will remain with them for the rest of their careers.
And if Wemby and company do win a title in the near future (which is likely), Chris Paul would have played a role in guiding them to the victory, which is awesome because his contribution back to the basketball community would be positive.
Don’t Count CP3 Out
But don’t view this as me counting them out.
The Spurs might go deep into the playoffs next season and win a title because Paul is that stubborn and that petty.
He’s really good at proving people wrong. Just look at what he did in Oklahoma during his one season with the Thunder.
Nobody thought he was going to make any noise there. And yet, he led that young, inexperienced team to the playoffs, where they almost upsetted the higher-seed Houston Rockets in the first round.
Will this be the same story next season? I don’t know. Paul is much older now. But there is a chance and that’s all CP3 needs.