San Antonio Spurs Season Preview: Can Chris Paul Carry Point Guard Load?

At some point, the San Antonio Spurs will win over 22 games. The front office utilized free agency and the trade market to address the need for veteran players and a massive void in adequate passing. Aside from trading for Harrison Barnes, the Spurs signed future Hall of Fame point guard Chris Paul. Despite playing his 20th season, Paul holds the key to easing Victor Wembanyama's workload.

At the tender age of 39, Paul is still the best point guard on the Spurs. While Wembanyama had an impressive rookie season, Paul's inclusion adds alley-oop opportunities; imagine the Spurs center's increase in points with such an elite passer as a teammate.

San Antonio signed Paul to a one-year, $10.4 million contract. The 19-year NBA veteran's contract takes up a mere 7.4 percent of the Spurs' cap.

Last season, Paul averaged 9.2 points on 6.8 assists in a diminished role with the Golden State Warriors. Although the Warriors missed the playoffs, they had a winning record with 46 wins.

Barnes touched on Paul's knack for improving teammates.

"You just look at Chris' career, the guys that he's assisted in their scoring efforts, so I think for all the ways that Vic can score, having a guy like Chris there to help will just make his life easier," Barnes said during their introductory press conference for the Spurs.

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Paul averaged a career-low in points and the lowest assists average since the 2019-20 season with the Oklahoma City Thunder. However, based on Wembanyama's presence alone, Paul's assist numbers will increase. It's probably not a great idea to expect vintage Paul, but flirting with a double-double could occur.