The San Antonio Spurs entered the 2024-25 NBA season understanding they wanted extra than simply younger expertise improvement.
Final yr’s 22-60 document made it clear that veteran management was lacking. Enter Chris Paul, a confirmed mentor with a monitor document of elevating younger groups.
The transformation has been notable. Whereas the Spurs struggled to achieve 5 wins till late December final season, they’ve already matched that mark after which some, sitting at 6-6 lower than a month into the brand new marketing campaign.
However Paul’s impression extends past wins and losses.
In his thirteenth sport with the Spurs, going through LeBron James and the Lakers, the veteran level guard etched his title deeper into NBA historical past, turning into simply the third participant ever to surpass 12,000 profession assists.
12K ASSISTS FOR CP3!
Chris Paul joins John Stockton and Jason Kidd as the one gamers in NBA historical past to achieve 12,000 assists 👏 pic.twitter.com/50ITAU2InC
— NBA (@NBA) November 16, 2024
He wasted no time reaching the milestone, needing lower than 4 minutes of taking part in time so as to add to his already spectacular legacy.
The historic second got here on a wonderfully timed alley-oop to Victor Wembanyama.
Chris Paul turns into the 3RD PLAYER EVER with 12,000 assists!
And he does it on a lob to Wemby 😍 pic.twitter.com/qkwjCbu9dN
— NBA (@NBA) November 16, 2024
With the achievement, Paul joins elite firm alongside John Stockton (15,806 assists) and Jason Kidd (12,091) within the NBA’s prestigious 12K help membership.
The Spurs’ schedule has run the gamut this season, that includes matchups towards powerhouses just like the title-contending Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder and struggling groups just like the Washington Wizards.
Their efficiency has proven promise, even with a number of gamers sidelined by accidents.
Whereas an entire evaluation would require extra time and a completely wholesome roster, one factor stands out: Bringing in Paul has supplied precisely the veteran presence the younger staff must progress to the subsequent degree.
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Analyst Raves About Victor Wembanyama’s Wednesday Efficiency