Having seen enough of Chris Paul to last him a lifetime, Gregg Popovich gave thanks. That tough, ornery little so-and-so dang near drove him crazy. Had it lasted much longer, it might have pushed the veteran coach into retirement, if not an early grave. But finally, it was time to move on. “I’m sure glad that’s over,” Popovich said. That was 16 years ago, in New Orleans, on a night when Paul nearly got the best of the Spurs in a hard-fought Game 7, but the reprieve proved to be temporary.
Spurs emerge among Markkanen suitors They haven’t had a title to defend since. But with the help of that tough, ornery little so-and-so? A new generation of Spurs might learn what it takes to contend for one. Paul isn’t signing in San Antonio to win a championship. At age 39, he’s not a Most Valuable Player candidate anymore. And on a one-year contract, he’s not expecting to be here when Victor Wembanyama hits even the beginning of his peak.