Because the Spurs spherical issues up in free company, they welcomed new-comers and notable NBA veterans Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes to the workforce as we speak. All of it started yesterday, when Chris Paul despatched his personal message to Spurs followers, expressing his pleasure to be right here and to get a possibility he by no means anticipated would come his manner: enjoying for Gregg Popovich.
As we speak, each Paul and Barnes had their introductory press conferences in San Antonio. (Which was not stay streamed — even when that was the plan, it wouldn’t have occurred as a result of the WiFi was reportedly down — so we’re going by what reporters who the place there and will get sufficient sign to tweet needed to say. Jeff Garcia of KENS5 appeared to have had the perfect luck.)
Paul went first, and after reiterating his pleasure to be right here and play for Pop, he mentioned he’s additionally right here to study and share his personal data. Simply don’t confuse him with a player-coach; he’s right here to play as nicely.
He additionally mentioned that together with the chance to play for Pop, the prospect to play alongside Victor Wembanyama performed a giant function in his determination to come back to San Antonio.
Maybe my favourite line from him was telling followers to not maintain the way in which he acts on the court docket at occasions in opposition to him, and simply realize it comes from desirous to win. (In case anybody is new to the NBA, he has lengthy had a fame for shedding his cool and whining the refs, which has usually been a turnoff and never what Spurs followers are used to seeing from their gamers.) You need to respect a man who is aware of his shortcomings (a minimum of from followers’ perspective) and might embrace it. Pop likes some nasty, and he’s getting a few of that again in Paul.
Whereas that angle plus the overall rivalry the Spurs have had with Paul’s groups has typically made him off-putting to Spurs followers, don’t overlook he has at all times been nice buddies with the Large Three, all of whom he heard from after his contract with the Spurs was finalized.
Lastly, he re-iterated his want to play and talked about his household (who will stay at their house in Los Angeles whereas he’s right here).
Subsequent was Barnes’ flip, and naturally the consummate professional mentioned all the fitting issues. He too expressed his pleasure to play for the Spurs, Pop and Wemby, having at all times admired the group from afar. (Observe that Barnes had a commerce kicker, which he waived to permit the transfer to occur, so he did have some say in coming right here.)
He additionally famous that he understands constructing a winner takes time, and he’s right here to assist with that.
He and Paul have already been understanding collectively, and Barnes joked that the Spurs higher lead the league in lobs subsequent season with Paul feeding Wemby. Whereas a number of key gamers are away proper now both with nationwide workforce or Summer season League obligations, anticipate them again within the fitness center ASAP to get to know their new teammates.
It’s fascinating how polar reverse Paul and Barnes are so far as on-court character goes, however each needs to be equally good matches with the workforce. They alone received’t raise the Spurs to new heights — that may require inside development as nicely — however anticipate them to have constructive influences on everybody within the locker room and to assist smoothen out a number of points on the court docket.
Welcome to San Antonio, Chris and Harrison!
