When Chris Paul was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder for the 2019-2020 season, people said his career was over. However, that was not the case as he led a young rebuilding team to the playoffs as the fifth seed. He was also a great mentor to a young Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. After that season, the Thunder entered a full rebuild and traded him to the Phoenix Suns. That same year he helped lead the Suns to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1993. Having said all of that, since his title run, he hasn’t been the same player due to his age.
When he was traded to the Golden State Warriors this past year, it seemed like it was one last-ditch effort to finally win a ring. He struggled a lot for an aging Warriors team and couldn’t stay healthy with only playing in 58 games.
This offseason Chris Paul was let go by the Warriors and signed a one-year deal to play for the San Antonio Spurs. A move that people didn’t expect from him as he enters his age 39 season. Most people thought he would sign with a contender. Even though he is 39 years old and is steadily declining, after this year with the Spurs he shouldn’t retire just yet.
Why Chris Paul Shouldn’t Retire After Next Season
Chris Paul Mentoring Victor Wembanyama
Chris Paul will have the chance to do for Victor Wembanyama as he did for Shai. A big reason why Shai became so good so quickly was because of Paul. Shai was always in Paul’s ear trying to learn as much as he could from him on how to be better. This is exactly what he will be able to do for Wemby. Also, he will be mentoring them at the same points in their career. Both players were entering their second season when playing alongside Paul. CP3 will be able to give Wemby tips and push him to be great. Which will be more than anything he had last year.
In addition to all of this, not only will he be a great mentor to Wemby. Chris Paul will also be able to set him up better on the court to make life easier for him. One thing the Spurs lacked this past year was a true point guard to help give the ball to Wemby. Still, even without a true point guard, Wemby had a great rookie season. Now, he will get the chance to play with one of the better point guards in NBA history. In retrospect, this should make his life easier having Paul set him up and helping him get to his spots more on the court.
Increasing His Value
To go along with mentoring Wemby, he will also get a chance to increase his value. Since he has left the Thunder, there was always pressure on him to try and get a ring. This is the first time since playing for the Thunder that there isn’t any sort of pressure on him. This year, he will just get to focus on playing basketball and mentoring Wemby and this young Spurs team. Without the pressure, he should be able to play more relaxed and be more comfortable on the court since there will be no expectations for the Spurs.
In addition, he will also be coached by one of the best coaches of all time Gregg Popovich. Which he could learn one or two things from. Finally, once you break it all down, being able to mentor Wemby and show his worth to a team still. Getting coached by Popovich, and playing with no pressure. If everything goes right this year, and he can stay healthy, even though Chris Paul will be turning 40. There could be contending teams seeing everything he did for the Spurs and wanting to sign him for one year. He has the potential to put himself in the same position he was after his one year with the Thunder. He could have one more shot at getting a ring again.
Last Word on Chris Paul
Finally, even though Chris Paul has the opportunity to improve his value and get one last shot at getting a ring. It still shouldn’t shock anyone if he does retire after this year. He is already a lock to be in the Hall of Fame, and he will be 40 years old. Paul may not want to go through another long season at 40. However, the potential for him to have a great season in San Antonio and improve his value to get one more opportunity at a ring. That may be too enticing for him to walk away from.
The post Why This All Time Great Shouldn’t Retire After Next Season appeared first on Last Word On Basketball.