Spurs' Chris Paul 'didn't need a sales pitch' to join up with Victor Wembanyama and Gregg Popovich

The future Hall of Famer also received texts from Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, Tony Parker

By James Herbert Jul 9, 2024 at 5:29 pm ET• 3 min read

Chris Paul "didn't need a sales pitch," the future Hall of Famer told reporters during his introductory press conference on Tuesday. When he talked to San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich about the possibility of signing with the team in free agency, the two "more than anything had a conversation," Paul said. The 39-year-old guard said he had admired Popovich for years, and they'd chat a little bit when their teams competed against each other.

"There's so much respect there," Paul said. "Not only for his basketball IQ, but just for who he is as a person, as a competitor in all of this."

Paul said playing for the Spurs and learning from Popovich would be an honor and a privilege. What he appreciated most about the phone call was that Popovich told him, "I want you to come be you." He also noted that Pop "sounded excited" about the partnership, "so that got me excited."

It "helped, too, obviously," Paul said, that San Antonio presented him the opportunity to play with a 20-year-old budding star. Simply "getting a chance to watch" Victor Wembanyama was a draw, he said.