“I just love to hoop. I want to play,” 39-year-old Chris Paul said during an interview with Spurs Hall of Famer Tony Parker earlier in December.
Paul has done exactly that this season, helping the Spurs to a 17-16 record. This puts them firmly in the race for a playoff spot after they lost 60 games last season.
Known for his floor-general abilities, Paul helps organize and elevate the Spurs’ offense. When he is on the floor, the team has posted an impressive offensive rating of 117.5. Without him, that rating plummets to 105.4— a remarkable swing of 12.1 points.
Although his scoring numbers have declined in the late stages of his career, Paul remains a more-than-capable facilitator and decision-maker. Averaging 8.3 assists with just 1.8 turnovers per game, Paul involves the Spurs’ young, developing players without giving the ball away.
Big Game versus the Timberwolves
On Dec. 29 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Paul showcased his knack for involving teammates, recording 14 assists with no turnovers. This often helped star center Victor Wembanyama score easy baskets in the pick-and-roll, including this finish off a perfectly placed pass.
Wembanyama averages 1.24 points per possession in these roll-man situations. Paul creates easy scoring opportunities for the young superstar, which is precisely why the Spurs were emphatic about signing him this past summer.
CP3’s passing ability doesn’t just benefit Wembanyama in roll situations. When defenses collapse on him, he quickly fires a pass to the perimeter, allowing Wembanyama to showcase his growing shooting prowess.
Still Scoring Efficiently
Despite Paul’s near career-low average of 9.4 points per game this season, he has remained relatively efficient. Paul is recording a true shooting percentage of 58%, a 4% increase from his 2023-24 stint with the Golden State Warriors.
Paul has been overly reliant on three-point shots at times this season, deviating from the mid-range jumpers where he has excelled in the past. Of the 245 jump shots he has attempted this season, 157 have been three-pointers. This shift is largely due to a decline in athleticism to drive downhill and his increased off-ball role.
Chris Paul’s Legacy
Chris Paul has played for four different teams in the last six seasons, and for the most part, he has elevated every team. In Oklahoma City and Phoenix, he aided the development of young stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Devin Booker.
Paul appears to be doing the same in San Antonio alongside Victor Wembanyama, further cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players ever.
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