Chris Paul’s ability to average double-digit assists won't be in his control

A thorn in the Silver and Black nation’s side for the last 19 years is now donning those same colors. Once enemies but now teammates, the Spurs, and Chris Paul will look to get on the same page quickly. Winning games is the goal, and the first preseason matchup is right around the corner.

Chris Paul is now a Spur, having signed a one-year deal in the offseason with the team. The dynamic point guard is a sure-fire first ballot hall of famer. He’s a twelve-time All-Star, nine-time All-NBA defender and won the Rookie of the Year award.

The most important statistic, when it comes to the benefit of the Spurs, is his ability to distribute the basketball. He’s led the NBA in assists per game five different times and has averaged double-digit assists seven times in 18 seasons.

The catch-22 of this conundrum of double-digit assists is that for a player to achieve those numbers, they need their teammates to make shots.

The Spurs better be ready to make shots this season

Paul will get three or four assists per night on lobs to Victor Wembanyama nightly, and his other opportunities to distribute the basketball will be plentiful. With Paul and Wembanyama on the floor, there will be a lot of room for other players to operate. Teams won’t be able to double the Spurs’ center, and if they do- Paul has the proven ability to get the ball to the open man.

He’ll have success doing so, as the Spurs already have a 'good to great' system in place. They have a glutton of options on the wing led by Devin Vassell and his almost 20 points per game last season (19.5). Vassell, Keldon Johnson, Julian Champagnie and Malaki Branham shot over 35% from three-point range last season, demonstrating their ability to make shots and the potential for more.

Spurs fans can expect those percentages to rise this season with more spacing on the floor and more open opportunities. With the number of shots attempted from long range, the offensive numbers will rise and so will the wins.

Paul will be ready to get his teammates involved. With higher expectations for the team this season, they must be ready to meet Paul's challenge. If they are, Paul could lead the league in assists once again.