Welcome to Pounding the Rock’s 2024-25 participant opinions! The sequence will take a look at the gamers who completed the season with the San Antonio Spurs on assured contracts and who performed consequential minutes and/or an important function (so no two-way gamers as a result of we hardly noticed them this 12 months, and no gamers who have been traded away).
Chris Paul
2024-25 stats: 28 MPG, 8.8 factors, 7.4 assists, 42.7 FG%, 37.7 3FG%
Contract Standing: Unrestricted free agent
Age: 40
Chris Paul was the Spurs’ headline acquisition final offseason. The basketball world was able to see how the longer term Corridor-of-Famer may elevate the younger Spurs, and what an actual level guard may do for Victor Wembanyama. CP3 might not be the participant he was once, however he supplied a gradual hand, management, competitiveness, and a constant presence within the lineup.
When Paul joined the Spurs, he stated it was for the chance to hoop, to not be a coach on the ground and a presence within the locker room. And hoop he did, as Paul began all 82 video games for the Spurs in his twentieth NBA season. The final assumption earlier than the season is that Paul would get loads of relaxation, like a lot of his veteran counterparts – however the drive that makes him one of many greats led him to his first season, the place he by no means missed a sport.
Paul’s manufacturing has dropped considerably since his prime. He’s not an isolation risk off the dribble, doesn’t look to get to the basket anymore, and may’t be relied upon to be the lead guard on a contending crew, however he nonetheless has a bit left within the tank. In true level guard vogue, he helped the Spurs get beneath management within the clutch, had the best help charge (34.8%), and created turnovers, main San Antonio with 103 steals on the season.
Paul’s largest contributions could not bear fruit for just a few seasons. There was noticeably extra drive and grit from the Spurs this season. Paul led by instance by being within the lineup day by day and competing evening in and evening out. The younger roster appeared to reply and rally round that. When CP3 and Harrison Barnes took down Golden State late within the season, it meant one thing to the Spurs, even when they’re already eradicated. Paul handled a meaningless sport 82 in opposition to the Toronto Raptors prefer it was the final sport he would ever play. The traits of an excellent participant certainly rubbed off on San Antonio’s younger core, and may pay dividends when they’re able to contend for the playoffs.
Trying forward
Paul indicated he’s not planning to retire this offseason. Paul is an unrestricted free agent in a comparatively weak group of gamers, which means he may get one other 1-year deal just like the one he signed with the Spurs final season. Whether or not or not he resigns with San Antonio doubtless is determined by what his priorities are subsequent 12 months.
If Paul needs to start out and play as a lot as attainable, San Antonio might not be the suitable match. The Spurs are prepared to maneuver ahead with De’Aaron Fox as their start line guard of the longer term and construct a crew able to push for a playoff spot. The Paul-Fox backcourt is undersized, struggles defensively, and isn’t a seamless offensive match. San Antonio may use that spot within the beginning lineup for an additional two-way flooring spacer, or to offer Stephon Fort a full-time beginning function.
If Paul have been to return subsequent season, it will doubtless be in a backup function. Is he prepared to sacrifice taking part in time at 40 years outdated to stay with San Antonio in hopes of one other playoff look? If he’s ring chasing with out take care of his function, there are most likely higher locations to try this. Discovering a crew that wants a full-time start line guard could also be powerful, and Paul could not present the identical manufacturing as different youthful gamers would.
Each franchise may use Paul’s expertise. It’ll be on him to resolve what capability he needs to proceed his profession in. Whether or not that’s in San Antonio or elsewhere. The longer term Corridor-of-Famer has earned the suitable to make that alternative.
High efficiency
November 2nd win vs. the Minnesota Timberwolves, 15 factors and 13 assists.
Remaining grade: B+
Up subsequent: Stephon Fort
Earlier Critiques:
Bismack Biyombo, Charles Bassey, Malaki Branham
Blake Wesley
Sandro Mamukelashvili
De’Aaron Fox
Julian Champagnie
Jeremy Sochan
Keldon Johnson
Harrison Barnes
