4 San Antonio Spurs who benefit the most from Chris Paul signing

The San Antonio Spurs made a bold move to open free agency by agreeing to a one-year deal with Chris Paul. Adrian Wojnarowski reported the future Hall of Famer will make $11 million as he gives the Spurs the veteran point guard they have been searching for to play off Victor Wembanyama.

CP3 is one of the best playmakers of this generation. He has been known to maximize his teammates and speed up their development. Paul has played for six different franchises and has made an impact in every situation. The 39-year-old is well past his prime but will be focused on helping the Spurs take the next step.

Every player will benefit from having CP3 in the Alamo, but these young talents have the most to gain from his knowledge, playmaking, and leadership.

4. Tre Jones

The Spurs were significantly better with Jones on the floor last season, but he is not the franchise’s long-term starter. The 6’1 guard is a strong playmaker and one of the best reserve options in the league. His defense and lack of shooting makes it difficult to play him 30-plus minutes per night, but there is still plenty to like.

The 25-year-old can learn plenty from one of the best of all time. Paul is coming in to mentor their young talent. The veteran has plenty of tips and tricks. Expect Jones to take full advantage and get several new weapons from CP3.

Chris Paul is nearing the end of his career. The addition for San Antonio is as much about leadership and mentoring as it is on-court play. Jones will be one of several who benefit from the future Hall of Famer.

3. Jeremy Sochan

The Spurs wanted Jeremy Sochan to be their point guard to open the 2023-24 season. The experiment failed miserably, but the 21-year-old’s unique skill set made him a top-ten selection in 2022. San Antonio wants to lean into his versatility and would love to see his playmaking blossom further.

Chris Paul could be a fantastic addition for just that. He became elite by manipulating defenders and creating open shots for teammates. Sochan’s playmaking keeps improving, but having a mentor like CP3 could allow it to skyrocket. Devin Booker’s ball-handling and distributing took a massive leap with Paul in Phoenix. Could Sochan similarly benefit?

The 21-year-old will continue improving. He is entering his third NBA season, which is often a breakout year for top prospects. Having Chris Paul create open will give his offensive game a boost. The Spurs want his jumper to take another step forward. Getting a few more wide-open attempts should help matters.

The young talent on the Spurs roster will benefit most from having Chris Paul. Most won’t think about Jeremy Sochan, but him taking a step forward with his playmaking and shooting is crucial to keeping him a key piece next to Victor Wembanyama for years to come.

2. Stephon Castle

The rookie made it clear he wants to be a point guard. San Antonio is searching for their long-term answer next to Victor Wembanyama and has plenty of on-ball reps to give to Castle. They took him fourth overall, which should say plenty about the franchise’s belief in his talent.

There is no better mentor still playing in the NBA than Chris Paul. Castle was an elite perimeter defender in the NCAA but needs to improve his playmaking and ball-handling to be a point guard in San Antonio. CP3 should ease that transition.

Paul had an in-depth talk with head coach Gregg Popovich before joining the Spurs. Fans can bet that mentoring Stephon Castle and maximizing the Spurs' soon-to-be superstar were key discussion points. Castle is eager to improve and wants to be elite. He has all the tools at his disposal now.

The 19-year-old must improve his 3-point shooting too. Chris Paul is a career 36.9 percent 3-point shooter and master in the mid-range at just six feet tall. He knows a lot about scoring in the NBA and could help Castle blossom into an elite all-around weapon.

The San Antonio Spurs are eager to have CP3 working with Castle, but the biggest benefit will come in helping Wemby transform into a superstar.

1. Victor Wembanyama

The reigning Rookie of the Year averaged 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.2 steals, and 3.6 blocks in 29.7 minutes per game. Those are incredible numbers and just the beginning for the 20-year-old.

Wemby is an elite scorer, rim-protector, rebounder, defender, and playmaker for a center. He can literally do it all and played the majority of the season without a true point guard running the show in San Antonio.

Chris Paul changes that. The 39-year-old is coming to help Wembanyama with his ball-handling and playmaking as he creates open looks. The 20-year-old is eager to learn, and CP3 may have the best basketball IQ in the NBA. The open looks are secondary to what the prodigy will learn from the future Hall of Famer.

Chris Paul helps everyone. Devin Vassell will get some easier looks, Keldon Johnson can learn plenty from the veteran, and all the Spurs' young talent will benefit from watching CP3 work.

The San Antonio Spurs may not make the playoffs. Paul is unlikely to be their starter, but it is all about building for the future. Getting a future Hall of Famer helps, and the franchise will be back soon enough. Stay tuned because big things are coming in the Alamo.