In Photos: Spurs' new vets Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes hit the court in fresh gear, training with Russell Westbrook
San Antonio Spurs offseason acquisitions Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes recently scrimmaged with some of their new teammates. The training session marked Spurs fans' first look at the veterans in their fresh team gear ahead of the 2024-25 NBA campaign.
After finishing 14th (22-60) in the Western Conference last season, San Antonio added reinforcements around rising star big man Victor Wembanyama this summer.
The franchise drafted two-way guard Stephon Castle No. 4 in the 2024 NBA draft. Afterward, the Spurs signed Paul to a one-year, $10.5 million contract in free agency and acquired Barnes from the Sacramento Kings via a three-team trade.
Upon joining San Antonio, Paul and Barnes were spotted supporting the organization's NBA Summer League squad in July.
However, on Wednesday, Courtside Buzz shared photos and a video on Instagram of the veterans' first sighting in Spurs practice attire.
Paul and Barnes were seen scrimmaging with their new teammates Castle and Keldon Johnson. Newly acquired Denver Nuggets point guard Russell Westbrook was also part of the training session, later posing for a group photo.
While San Antonio isn't projected to make the 2025 playoffs in the crowded West, Paul and Barnes should bring valuable mentorship to the young squad.
However, if Wembanyama takes a considerable leap from his standout Rookie of the Year campaign, the Spurs could be one of the conference's bigger surprises.
Chris Paul on accepting mentorship role with Victor Wembanyama-led Spurs
After signing with San Antonio, Chris Paul touched on taking on a mentorship role with Victor Wembanyama and Co.
Paul stressed the importance of teams having veteran role models. However, he added that he still expects to be an on-court difference-maker in his 20th season.
"I’ve always taken that responsibility very seriously," Paul said. "But also, understanding I’ve come to hoop. I’m not a coach. So, there are things to be learned.
"I come in with a lot of knowledge from on-the-job training. But I also come in trying to learn from these guys. I’ve [gone] to some teams that are younger. I’m excited to share with these guys what I know, whatever they want to know. But I’m also excited to learn from them," he continued.
Despite not winning an NBA championship, Chris Paul has experienced immense success, making the playoffs in 15 of the last 17 seasons.
The 12-time All-Star is no longer as prolific of an offensive threat as he was in his prime. However, he remains a viable playmaker, averaging a team-best 6.8 assists per game over 58 appearances with the Golden State Warriors last season.
Thus, Paul should be able to contribute positively to the Spurs on and off the floor.
Also Read: "Never thought in a million years I would play for Gregg Popovich": Chris Paul has a message for fans after he arrives in San Antonio