SAN ANTONIO – The anticipation is building as San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich gears up for his 29th consecutive season leading the Silver and Black. Popovich was front and center at the team’s media day, ready to tackle the challenges of the upcoming 2024-25 NBA season.
One of the biggest storylines this season is Popovich’s opportunity to coach longtime adversary, point guard Chris Paul. With 19 years of experience under his belt, Paul is known for his exceptional basketball IQ and competitive spirit, traits that Popovich admires and respects.
Popovich shared his thoughts on coaching Paul, stating, “It was always difficult to play against him because he’s not just the consummate competitor, but he is a clever, clever, clever player. His IQ is off the charts.”
Despite their past rivalry, Popovich is looking forward to collaborating with Paul and leveraging his talent to elevate the Spurs. Paul recently signed a one-year deal with the team in July, marking a new chapter in his illustrious career.
Popovich expressed his excitement about having Paul on the team, saying, “To have him working in our family is pretty special. Sometimes I have to pinch myself to think about having the opportunity to watch him on a day-to-day basis because it’s always been from afar.”
The addition of Chris Paul is expected to have a significant impact on the Spurs, especially in guiding the younger players on the roster. Popovich highlighted Paul’s role as a mentor and leader for the team’s budding stars, acknowledging the value of his experience and knowledge.
Alongside Chris Paul, the Spurs also acquired veteran forward Harrison Barnes, who brings leadership and basketball acumen to the team. Popovich emphasized Barnes’ importance in helping the young players understand what it takes to win at the highest level.
With a young and talented roster, including rising star Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs are optimistic about their prospects for the upcoming season. The team is coming off back-to-back 22-win seasons and is looking to build on that foundation with the leadership of veterans like Paul and Barnes.
Popovich reiterated the team’s goals for the season, stating, “Our expectations are the same as they’ve been from the first year I coached. We want to be the best possible team we can be, individually and as a team. Our focus is on development and understanding what it takes to win.”
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