Last season, one thing became crystal clear when watching the San Antonio Spurs: Victor Wembanyama is a top-15 NBA player—provided he has a reliable point guard alongside him. Tre Jones filled that role last season, but while Jones was effective in getting the ball to Wembanyama, he lacked the elite status needed to fully maximize the young star’s potential. This summer, the Spurs made significant upgrades by drafting Stephon Castle and signing veteran free agent Chris Paul, one of the greatest point guards in NBA history.
At 39 years old and nearing the end of his career, Paul may not be in his prime, but he’s expected to be a clear upgrade from Jones and a valuable mentor for Castle as he transitions to the NBA. Throughout his 19-season career, Paul has played with an array of talented big men, including DeAndre Jordan, Deandre Ayton, Blake Griffin, David West, Tyson Chandler, and Clint Capela. However, none of these players were outside shooting threats.
Griffin, who developed a three-point shot later in his career, only managed a 29.9 percent success rate from beyond the arc during his time with Paul. Wembanyama, by contrast, attempted 5.5 three-pointers last season and made 32.5 percent of them—a respectable figure that suggests room for growth.
What sets Wembanyama apart is his unique combination of skills: he can defend, shoot, cut to the basket, and catch lobs, making him a versatile threat on the court. Chris Paul, in the twilight of his career, now finds himself passing to a 20-year-old who combines the best attributes of all his former big-man teammates. Wembanyama not only serves as the biggest lob target Paul has ever worked with but also as a pick-and-pop threat who can space the floor and occupy the dunker’s spot.
As Wembanyama officially accepts his new contract with the Spurs, despite swirling controversy, the partnership between him and Paul promises to be a thrilling aspect of the upcoming season, offering fans hope for a bright future in San Antonio.
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