Chris Paul explains why he decided to sign with Spurs

December 12, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Chris Paul (3) reacts against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. Mandatory Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Chris Paul had a simple explanation for why he chose the San Antonio Spurs over other teams with better chances.

Paul was released by the Golden State Warriors late last month. He wasted no time in agreeing to a one-year, $11 million deal with the Spurs.

In his introductory press conference on Tuesday, Paul was asked about the quick decision to join Spurs, given that the team is not expected to be a competitive side next season.

The 19-year veteran pointed out that he will likely have a big role in the silver and black. Paul also admitted that the desire to play a bigger role was greater than the desire to play somewhere closer to his home in Los Angeles.

“I love nothing more than the opportunity to play, contribute and play basketball… I love basketball enough to be close to home, but if I’m not playing, I’m not happy,” Paul said.

“And I love my family more than anything. When we saw this opportunity, even though it means I’m away from my family, my family knows me better than anyone and they know that I just want to play. I want to play more than anything.”

In his only season with the Warriors, Paul was used as a reserve player for the first time in his career, playing a career-low 26.4 minutes per game and averaging fewer than 10 points.

At Spurs, Paul will take on a much more important role as playmaker alongside French prodigy Victor Wembanyama.