The Spurs’ media day came about on Monday and the followers acquired to listen to from the most important addition of the summer time, Chris Paul. The dwelling legend answered questions in regards to the metropolis, Stephon Citadel, and lots of different subjects but in addition took the time to make it clear that he’s not in San Antonio simply to impart his knowledge from the bench or play a bit function.
When requested why he selected the Spurs, Paul stated he “didn’t simply select the Spurs. The Spurs clearly selected (him) additionally,” earlier than increasing on what factored in his considering course of.
“Trying on the group and in addition simply the flexibility to play, to hoop, to get again to enjoying. I believe that’s the motivation. It’s to compete. And to take a look at the group that they’ve right here, clearly Pop, it seemed prefer it may very well be an excellent match. And I’m simply excited for the brand new expertise.”
Paul averaged a number of profession lows final season in Golden State, together with whole video games began, minutes per recreation, whole minutes performed, area objective makes an attempt per recreation and utilization. It’s clear that he performed a severely diminished function in comparison with what he was used to on a group that had a place to begin guard and has by no means performed by one principal ball handler. After greater than a decade of being a famous person and the offensive engine of the lineups he was in, it appears Paul didn’t benefit from the change. The Spurs had been one of many few franchises that would supply him a beginning spot, minutes and a major function, so, as he stated, the match was good.
As if he hadn’t been clear sufficient, Paul went even deeper into his motivation whereas answering a second query on the identical subject later within the press convention. On why he picked San Antonio:
“Taking part in. I do know that sounds actually generic, however I believe for me at this level, this being my twentieth season, being away from my household — I like to play basketball and if I’m going to be away from my household, I needed it to be significant. I need to play, I need to compete and so this was the perfect alternative to try this. And figuring out this group and figuring out Pop and figuring out the sources that they’ve, I felt like this may be the perfect match.”
Paul is understood for his competitiveness, so the quote is smart, however it’s fascinating to see him have a distinct opinion about what’s significant in comparison with different veterans. Time and time once more, former stars select to spend the final productive years of their profession chasing rings. They take much less cash and smaller roles to have an opportunity to get a championship, particularly if they’ve by no means gained one. Paul has had a tremendous profession however the final success has eluded him, as he solely acquired to the Finals as soon as, however it doesn’t appear to trouble him. He appears comfortable to swimsuit up for a non-contender just like the Spurs so long as he will get to play a large function and make his mark.
Whether or not his perspective is extra noble than others may be debated, however it’s unquestionably refreshing to see such an completed star on the finish of his profession wanting to point out that he can nonetheless play and be a difference-maker within the league.
