Gregg Popovich comes clean about ‘despising’ Chris Paul before new season for Spurs
Gregg Popovich opens up about his past rivalry with Chris Paul as the veteran point guard joins the San Antonio Spurs.
Chris Paul and Gregg Popovich
San Antonio Spurs fans were thrilled when Chris Paul made the move from the Golden State Warriors. And it seems, now his head coach and one time opponent, Gregg Popovich, is also looking forward to welcome Paul on his team as he shared his thoughts on signing the veteran star.
Gregg Popovich, a constant presence in the league, has faced some of the best players throughout his career. Chris Paul, in particular, has been a constant challenge, having played against the Spurs 81 times and holding a slight advantage with a 41-40 record.
I’ve despised Chris for many years. It was always difficult to play against him because he’s not just a consummate competitor, but he is a clever, clever, clever player. His IQ is off the charts. It was always difficult because he’s thinking ahead of us coaches. You hate to play against him but you respect the hell out of him.
Gregg Popovich said to the media on Monday (via Josh Paredes)
Fortunately, Popovich now has “The Point God” on his side after Paul joined the Spurs in free agency this summer, and they will be hoping to improve on last season’s disappointing performance. Against the Spurs, Paul averaged 18.1 points, 8.2 assists, and 1.8 steals, while shooting 37.5 percent from beyond the arc.
"I've despised Chris for many years. It was difficult to play against him because he's a clever, clever, clever player. His IQ is off the charts. It was always difficult because he's thinking ahead of us coaches. You hate to play against him but you respect the hell out of him." pic.twitter.com/VQPwiIP5LG
— Josh Paredes (@Josh810) September 30, 2024
The best part of this deal is the leadership Paul brings to a young Spurs team, which includes last season’s Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama, and rookie Stephon Castle.
Spurs fans are eager to see Paul have the same positive impact on their young players as he did on the Phoenix Suns’ Devin Booker and the Oklahoma City Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Coach Gregg Popovich outlines his expectations for veteran Chris Paul
When the San Antonio Spurs’ signed Chris Paul to a one-year, $11 million deal this offseason, it flew under the radar due to CP3 not being in his All-NBA prime. Regardless, he still remains one of the greatest point guards in NBA history and is highly respected for his mentorship abilities.
Gregg Popovich gave an honest response when asked about what he expects from the veteran. As fans expected, Coach Pop gave his honest views just like every other coach would.
I was very simplistic… said, ‘Be Chris Paul.’ That’s all I want from him. Want him to be Chris Paul and play like he’s always played. Probably won’t coach him a lick.
Coach Popovich said
These are exciting times for the Spurs team as fans are reminiscing about their glory days.
The Spurs’ season kicks off on October 24 against the Dallas Mavericks, with many watching to see how Paul and Popovich will work together to bring the team back to relevance.
Ubong Archibong
(1100 Articles Published)