Victor Wembanyama has his new mentor. Slightly abandoned to his own fate during his first season in the NBA with the San Antonio Spurs, the Frenchman will now be able to count on a major reinforcement: Chris Paul.
The 39-year-old point guard, who is coming off a mixed season with the Golden State Warriors but remains a referenced player, notably a double Olympic champion (2008 and 2012), has signed for one season and a salary of 11 million dollars.
This is therefore a huge added value that has been added to Gregg Popovich’s squad. Because the historic coach of the Texan franchise was seriously lacking in experience last season. While Devin Vassell and Jeremy Sochan helped out at point guard, the experience was inconclusive, and the Spurs’ management was looking for a viable solution to support Victor Wembanyama. They first set their sights on Stephon Castle during the draft, who arrived from the UConn Huskies, and then, therefore, on Chris Paul.
The little leader has a lot of experience. Drafted by the New Orleans Hornets in fourth position in the 2005 draft, the North Carolina native immediately conquered the NBA with his aggressive play and incredible tactical sense. From his first season, he presented an impressive stat line, with 16 points and 8 assists on average. References that have continued to improve over the years.
After six years in Louisiana, it was with the Los Angeles Clippers that Chris Paul splashed the league with his talent. He then played for the Houston Rockets, the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Phoenix Suns and, last season, for the Golden State Warriors, as Stephen Curry’s backup.
In 2021, he reached his best result, an NBA Finals with the Suns. However, he does not have any titles in his list of achievements. His individual performances nevertheless allowed him to be selected 12 times for the All-Star Game, and to be elected Rookie of the year in 2006.
