Chris Paul Reveals Why He Chose San Antonio Spurs

Given where the San Antonio Spurs are in their rebuild, some people were surprised to see veteran Chris Paul choose them in free agency. After being waived by the Golden State Warriors, the future Hall of Famer could have signed with any team in the NBA.

He opted to join the San Antonio Spurs, agreeing to a one-year, $11 million deal. Why would a veteran in his position join a team that went 22-60 during the 2023-24 season?

Chris Paul revealed that the opportunity at legitimate playing time is what sold him. Essentially, he chose the chance to keep competing and playing over chasing a ring with a contender.

“I love nothing more than the opportunity to play and contribute and hoop,” he said at his introductory press conference.

There were opportunities for him to play closer to his home in Los Angeles, California. That would have enabled him to remain close to his family.

Instead, he will be leaving them for the season and heading to San Antonio. It was a difficult decision, but one he knows is best for him as he gets to continue playing the game he loves.

“My family is everything. My wife is here, my kids are back in L.A., and that’s where they will be during the season,” the NBA veteran said. “And I love basketball so much that I could be close to home, but if I’m not playing, I’m not happy.

“And I love my family to death. So, when we saw this opportunity, even though it’ll put me away from my family, my family knows me better than anybody and they know that I just want to play. I want to play more than anything. And that’s why I’m grateful for them and more so grateful to be here.”

Despite being in the early portion of their rebuild, there is a lot to like about the San Antonio Spurs. One of them is head coach Gregg Popovich, who Chris Paul has a lot of respect and admiration for.

“Obviously, I’ve admired Pop from afar for years, and when you’re in this for a while, as he’s done for a long time, there’s so much respect there,” Paul said. “Not only for his basketball IQ but just for who he is as a person, as a competitor and all of that.”

The experience and basketball knowledge that Chris Paul brings will also help the team immensely. The San Antonio Spurs were the youngest team in the NBA last season, so he brings much-needed leadership to the team.

His presence should do wonders for phenom Victor Wembanyama. The reigning Rookie of the Year is going to be a force to be reckoned with for years to come. Chris Paul is going to help his development and make the San Antonio Spurs even more competitive this upcoming season.

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