Hidden Chris Paul issue is quietly putting Spurs’ rebuild at risk

So here's the thing: Chris Paul has been a fantastic veteran for the San Antonio Spurs since he arrived last offseason. But as the Spurs look to pursue a third star this summer, is there a chance he could end up messing with what they're building in the grand scheme of things?

I'll explain what I mean by this. I'm not talking about CP3's skills deteriorating, or him rapidly falling off a cliff from a production standpoint. What I'm referring to is his legacy as an all-time great point guard, and his tendency to prefer a spot in the starting lineup. Unfortunately, De'Aaron Fox is still looking like the best choice for the Spurs' starting PG next season.

With that being the case, it is likely that the best chance Chris Paul has of remaining on this roster and being a legitimate contributor is going to involve him taking a bench role, basically from the start of the season until the end of it. The big question here is whether CP feels like that is the best spot for him personally.

I'm sure Chris still gets a lot out of mentoring young players and helping them grow. But given that he has the option to choose where he goes this summer at least partly based on what his role will be, it's possible that he goes somewhere he can still start.

Paul may or may not want to play off the bench for SAS in 2025-26

After all, Paul proved he's still got a decent amount left in the tank. He played all 82 games of the season in 2024-25 for just the second time in his career. And although his numbers weren't as spectacular as prime CP3, he had his moments, and he certainly elevated the games of his younger teammates.

That basically leaves him with a couple of options. Remain in San Antonio, and probably play around the same minutes diet you were looking at this past season, or maybe a little less. 25 or so minutes per night is still nothing to sneeze at.

But then the other option would involve taking his services elsewhere, to a team that will allow him to start and have more time on the floor. Perhaps one of the biggest things that could push him to return to the Spurs is if there is a lack of interest when it comes to teams willing to start him in a season he will turn 41 years old at the end of.

I'm sure many Spurs fans would be thrilled to see Chris Paul back in the Alamo City once again. The culture he has helped set with this team has been easy to spot, and if he's willing to come off the bench, it would be a near-perfect scenario.