New veteran leadership will help Spurs take off for an underrated reason

The San Antonio Spurs made two pivotal moves this offseason that could shape the team’s future success—bringing in Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes. These veterans offer more than just talent—they provide the type of on-the-floor leadership that a young team like SA desperately needs.

Vets are always needed for young teams

While Gregg Popovich is a legendary coach, there’s only so much he can communicate from the sidelines. When you’re in the heat of the game, having experienced players who know the ins and outs of NBA play makes a huge difference.

Veterans bring a different level of respect. They’ve faced tough moments, adjusted to the flow of games, and learned from their own mistakes. While a coach can guide and teach, having a player who’s been in those situations and made the necessary adjustments is invaluable. And that’s where Paul and Barnes come in.

CP3, widely regarded as one of the best floor generals in NBA history, is a perfect fit for what the Spurs needed. He knows how to organize an offense, put players in the right spots, and control the tempo. For young guards like Stephon Castle and Tre Jones, Paul’s influence will be transformative.

His understanding of when to speed up or slow down the game, when to take a shot or set up a teammate, and how to minimize mistakes will help the Spurs immensely. As they learn from Paul, these young guards will grow more confident in running the team, even when Paul is off the floor.

Harrison Barnes, on the other hand, will provide essential mentorship for the wings. The former Tar Heel knows how to attack closeouts, create space for himself and others, and stay ready in critical moments. Players like Keldon Johnson and Jeremy Sochan can learn a lot from his ability to adapt on both ends of the court.

The vets will help Spurs keep turnovers down

One of the most underrated areas where Paul and Barnes will help is ball security. Last season, the Spurs were among the worst teams in the league in terms of turnovers, giving the ball away at the fourth-highest rate. Taking care of the basketball is a foundational element of winning games.

The presence of experienced players like Paul and Barnes will help the young Spurs understand the importance of every possession. They can’t afford to give the ball away and expect to win, and these veterans know how to manage games effectively to avoid that.

Tonight, the Spurs will get their first chance to showcase what they've been learning as they face off against the Oklahoma City Thunder in their preseason opener. It will be an early test for the team to see how far they’ve come under the guidance of their new leaders.

While it’s just the preseason, it will be an opportunity to see how the guards organize the offense in Paul's absence and how Barnes and the rest of the team step up.

With Paul and Barnes providing steadying influence, the Spurs are poised to make meaningful strides. Tonight will be the first glimpse of just how much this young squad has absorbed from their veteran mentors.