Crazy statistics from Chris Paul will delight Spurs fans

Chris Paul’s NBA resume, which includes four All-NBA First Team selections, 12 All-Star Game selections, seven All-Defensive First Team appearances and four assists, among many other accolades, has long been earmarked for induction into the Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts. But what truly defines his legacy is his unfailing ability to quickly improve the franchise he represents.

Think of Paul as the closet organizer of the modern game. When a team is full of potential or established talent but can’t succeed collectively on the field, No. 3 is called upon to make everything fall into place as planned.

Yes, the 39-year-old point guard has yet to win a championship in his 19-year career, but he makes an undeniable difference on every team he plays for. As the list of NBA jerseys Paul has worn grows, there is more evidence of his unique, uplifting powers.

Chris Paul always leaves franchises in a better condition than he found them

“Chris Paul has been a key contributor to success in his first year with a new team since entering the NBA in 2005,” ClutchPoints posted on X.

“New Orleans Hornets: 18-64 (.220 winning percentage) to 38-44 (.463 with Paul), LA Clippers: 32-50 (.390) to 40-26 (.606), Houston Rockets: 55-27 (.671) to 65-17 (.793), OKC Thunder: 49-33 (.598) to 44-28 (.611), Phoenix Suns: 34-39 (.466) to 51-21 (.708)Golden State Warriors: 44-38 (.537) to 46-36 (.561).”

The CP3 effect is real, but helping the 22-60 (.268) San Antonio Spurs improve their numbers is one of the most challenging tasks he’s ever been given, but it could also prove to be very rewarding.

Pairing Paul with 20-year-old sensation Victor Wembanyama is a smart move by the organization that will ideally accelerate the center’s path to superstardom and allow the team to grow up. Not long ago, “The Spurs Way” was the envy of executives across the league, and this free agent signing might remind people why.

Paul can bring Spurs much closer to relevance

It goes without saying that Paul’s best days are far behind him, but San Antonio didn’t sign him for a year and over $11 million to fill up its stat sheets (9.2 points on 44.1 percent shooting and 6.8 assists last season). Management is trusting the veteran playmaker to lead this young group closer to its potential.

Although Wembanyama’s skill is undeniable after a stellar rookie season in which he averaged 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 3.6 blocks per game, fans remain skeptical about some of the other players, such as Keldon Johnson and Jeremy Sochan. The presence of Chris Paul could be crucial in determining whether the Spurs’ existing core can succeed together or if changes need to be made.

That’s obviously a big burden for someone who will be riding off into the sunset in the near future, but Paul has the experience, adaptability, game vision and instincts needed to motivate his new teammates. He can act as a pseudo-assistant coach to five-time champion Gregg Popopich while mentoring Victor Wembanyama and co.

The Spurs are unlikely to make it into the incredibly crowded Western Conference playoffs, so it’s critical that management bring in people who share their long-term vision. Chris Paul understands that.

He has a chance to play a key role in this ongoing rebuild and check off another item on the NBA bucket list before he retires: being the wingman for a 7-foot-4 phenom.