New San Antonio Spurs Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes say they’re excited to play for Pop | San Antonio

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Kiko Martinez

“Pop and the Spurs definitely have the deepest branch in the league – everyone branches out from here and ends up better,” Paul said during Tuesday’s press conference.

The two new additions to the San Antonio Spurs were officially welcomed to the Alamo City on Tuesday afternoon at the team’s performance center at The Rock at La Cantera.

Veteran players Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes are joining the Spurs for the 2024-25 NBA season. Paul, who will be playing his 20th season in the league, was signed by San Antonio earlier this week to a one-year, $11 million contract. He was signed by the Spurs after a year with the Golden State Warriors. “The Point God” is considered one of the best NBA point guards of all time and was named to the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team in 2021.

Barnes joins the Spurs for his 14th NBA season. He spent the last six seasons with the Sacramento Kings. During the Season 2022-23, he helped the team to its first playoff appearance in 17 years. Barnes was part of a three-way trade that saw him dealt to the Spurs while Chicago Bulls star DeMar DeRozan was added to the Kings’ roster. The Bulls also received shooting guard Chris Duarte and two second-round draft picks.

During the Spurs’ press conference at The Rock, Paul reiterated that he is coming to San Antonio to compete, saying he hates losing even more than he loves winning.

“This is of course a first-class organization,” said 39-year-old Paul to the Current and other media present. “I love nothing more than the opportunity to… contribute and jog.”

Paul added that it would be a “privilege and an honor” to play for a master coach like Gregg Popovich. Although he is a veteran player, Paul said he is looking forward to learning from Pop.

“There’s so much respect there, not just for his basketball IQ, but for his personality and competitive nature,” Paul said. “Pop and the Spurs definitely have the deepest pedigree in the league — everyone branches out from here and ends up getting better.”

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Kiko Martinez

“Over the years, the Spurs have been one of the toughest teams I’ve ever faced,” Barnes said.

Barnes also used the word “respect” to describe his thoughts on the Spurs franchise, saying there is “good energy” in a new situation like this, especially with Paul walking through the door with him.

“Over the years, the Spurs have been one of the toughest teams I’ve ever faced,” said Barnes, 32. “The decision to come to San Antonio was a pretty easy one for me.”

Both Paul and Barnes said they were intrigued and excited to be working with Victor Wembanyama, NBA Rookie of the Year and first overall draft pick, is the player the Spurs are obviously building their roster around.

“I played against (Victor) this season and there’s probably no player in the league that everyone talks about after the game like he does,” Paul said. “It’s going to be cool … to recognize him day in and day out.”

Barnes laughed when asked if he only joined Spurs to avoid having to defend Wembanyama on the pitch.

“There are a lot of people talking about what (Victor) has to offer,” he said. “Now that you’re on the team with him, you have all the options with that kind of versatility.”

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