3 surprising ways Chris Paul will add value to the Spurs this upcoming season

NBA legend Chris Paul surprised many when he chose to sign with the San Antonio Spurs. Paul was expected to join a contender, so his decision to become a Spur might seem like a mistake to fans of other teams, with Paul still searching for his first championship.

However, he will join the up-and-coming Spurs to play with potential superstar Victor Wembanyama. With Paul being known as a culture-changer who joins young teams and gets results, he may have seen something on San Antonio's roster. That bodes well for the Spurs in 2024–25, with him bringing several key qualities to the table that will help the team win games.

3. Paul could make the Spurs a destination for stars

Although Paul isn't the star that he used to be, he is still a notable player and the Spurs' biggest free agent signing since LaMarcus Aldridge in the summer of 2015. Paul's joining the Spurs could be a big step for the team since they have been mostly irrelevant for the last five years. With Wembanyama, all eyes are on San Antonio, and stars may soon want to join him on the Spurs.

Paul playing for a year or two with Wembanyama could help turn them back into contenders, and after he retires, the Spurs could look to replace him with another star. That might include Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks, DeAaron Fox of the Sacramento Kings, or another star that isn't yet available. In some ways, that makes Paul a potential gateway signing, with him being a potential stepping stone to something better.

There is also the possibility that Paul's presence helps a player such as Devin Vassell or Stephon Castle turn into a star, giving the Spurs another homegrown star to pair with Wembanyama. Either way, CP3 becoming a Spur increases their chances of another star coming to San Antonio, whether by signing, requesting a trade to the team, or through player development.

2. Paul has the know-how to turn the Spurs offense around

The Spurs struggled at times to find Wembanyama last season, leaving easy points on the table. Somehow, he managed to still average 21 points per game, though his efficiency took a hit.

That is where Paul comes in. He is one of the best lob throwers in NBA history and has made players such as Tyson Chandler, DeAndre Jordan, and Deandre Ayton better, but Wembanyama is far more talented, not to mention taller.

Paul should be able to consistently set him up for easy dunks in the pick-and-roll. Wembanyama could also thrive as a shooter in pick-and-pops, with Paul an expert at creating space by using screens, which can generate Wemby open spot-up opportunities. Paul, too, will benefit from playing with Wembanyama, with Paul being a threat to score in the pick and roll, given that he is an elite pull-up shooter.

Additionally, he should help Devin Vassell, who is known for taking and making tough shots, get higher percentage looks. That could do wonders for Vassell's offensive game, while Jeremy Sochan should benefit from CP3's presence with him cutting off-ball.

All of that would potentially give the Spurs a highly efficient offense. After ranking 26th in offensive rating, Paul running the show could help them jump into the top 10. Meanwhile, another season under Wemby's belt could help the Spurs jump from 22nd on the other end of the floor to a similar rank on defense. Being near the top 10 on both ends of the floor would be enough to get the Spurs back into the playoffs.

1. Paul's mentorship could have a lasting impact on the Spurs

Perhaps the biggest reason why the Spurs acquired Paul was for his mentorship. Paul has a history of helping to whip young teams into shape, and the Spurs have a young roster that features six players on rookie-scale deals. Having a future Hall of Famer who can take them aside and point things out to them could help the development of players such as Stephon Castle, Blake Wesley, Sochan, and especially Wembanyama.

If he can get the most out of Wembanyama and Sochan next season, that could help the Spurs make a big leap and possibly even get them back into the postseason. Moreover, Paul could be instrumental in Castle's development, with Castle already showing the potential to play point guard but likely starting off playing off-ball to get playing time.

Paul's helping the Spurs' young core reach their full potential could have a lasting impact on the team, with Wembanyama learning different tricks of the trade that can help him gain an advantage. For instance, he could teach Wemby how to position himself to make it easier for teammates to find him or how to draw fouls.

Additionally, Paul can teach Sochan ways to get into the mind of his opponent and Castle how to run an NBA offense. Each would be well worth what the Spurs are paying Paul next season and make him the perfect free-agent signing.