Over the past two decades, Chris Paul and Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich have battled it out from the sideline and on the court a massive 81 times.
And there has been no love lost.
“I’ve despised Chris for many years,” Popovich said.
The storied 75-year-old coach went on to explain why.
“It was difficult to play against him because he’s a clever, clever, clever player,” Popovich said. “His IQ is off the charts. It was always difficult because he’s thinking ahead of all of us coaches.”
When it came to Paul’s media session, he acknowledged that hateful feeling was indeed felt on both sides.
“It’s mutual,” Paul said.
He spoke about the pair’s old battles and is excited to be playing under Pop rather than facing his team.
“It was interesting,” Paul said. “The game was a lot different then in the way it was played. I’ve played for a number of coaches now and am always excited about learning new things. Of course, I understand the knowledge of the game that I have, but I never stop learning. I’m excited to hear Pop’s way of doing things.”
As well as teaming up with Pop, Paul will be teaming up with the hottest young player in the league – Victor Wembanyama.
The pair haven’t taken the court together as yet, but CP3 has already pinpointed some areas where he thinks he can elevate the French native’s game.
“Absolutely,” Paul said. “Just from us playing pickup, watching film. He’s also going on his second year. The league has definitely changed and evolved since I was in my second year. There’s a different type of spotlight on him than was on me and a lot of other players. Just trying to make sure he has the confidence to know that he can do whatever.”
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