Coach Pop's media day quotes on Chris Paul shows he's already in midseason form

You know Spurs basketball is on the horizon when you see Coach Popovich at the podium cracking jokes. Training camp begins tomorrow, October 1, and the Spurs are taking questions for their annual media day as this article is being transcribed. It's one of the most exciting times of the year because no games have been played, so optimism and positivity are abundant.

If there's one thing Pop is going to do with his players, it's poke fun at them. But he expressed an emotion just about every Spurs fan on the planet has felt over the years: a disdain for Chris Paul. He's been an adversary for 20 years, no matter where he's been, and when you think hard, he probably holds the title for the biggest pain in San Antonio's rear during that time.

What to expect from Chris Paul's role

It was what everyone expected: CP3 is here to lead. But, he's also here to hoop. There's a natural balance in there that Chris Paul has plenty of experience with. It's not one or the other. He may be 39 years old, but we live in a different time. Athletes have access to the best training methods imaginable to extend their playing careers.

Tom Brady, LeBron James, Vince Carter, etc. are examples of that. These guys still believe in themselves, and while confidence is just as important as anything, their bodies can handle more. That's going to be needed since Paul walks into the building as the best point guard on the roster.

It's the perfect storm, as the other options at point guard this summer would have cost the Spurs a lot more. Paul wants to play, and Coach Pop needs him to. Last year's youngest team in the league needs stewardship, and CP3 will be the steady hand to guide them to more wins.

When Paul had his introductory press conference after his signing over the summer, he was clear that one of the biggest reasons he joined San Antonio was because he wants to play, and the Spurs are giving him the "best opportunity to do that," a point he reiterated at media day.

One thing being made clear is these players are here to win. Not to grow gradually. They expect that to happen naturally, but Harrison Barnes and Chris Paul are here to stack Ws, and that's all Spurs fans want from them.