Officially Declined! No. 3 Paul Out of the NBA, Spurs Set to Shake Up Western Conference Playoff Picture...

In a recent interaction with fans, San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson was asked if he would be changing his jersey number for the upcoming season. His response was simple: “No.” This response was particularly notable because just last month, rumors had circulated that Johnson might give up his No. 3 jersey to newly signed veteran Chris Paul. However, with Johnson’s confirmation, it appears that Paul, who has worn the No. 3 jersey throughout his 19-year NBA career, will have to find a new number—at least if he stays with the Spurs.

Paul’s attachment to the No. 3 jersey is well-documented. Throughout his illustrious career, whether playing for the New Orleans Hornets, Los Angeles Clippers, Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Phoenix Suns, or the Golden State Warriors, Paul has always sported the same number. When the Warriors decided to waive him earlier this summer, Paul signed a one-year, $11 million deal with the Spurs, joining forces with the much-anticipated rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama. This pairing has sparked excitement across the league, with many believing that Paul’s exceptional playmaking skills could elevate Wembanyama to new heights in his sophomore season.

American media have already started speculating on the impact Paul could have in San Antonio. One outlet pointed out that Paul is only 197 assists away from surpassing Jason Kidd for second place on the NBA’s all-time assists list—a milestone that seems well within reach with a talented young star like Wembanyama to pass to. The Spurs, already known for their team-oriented play, ranked second in the league last season with 29.9 assists per game, just behind the Indiana Pacers. With Paul in the fold, it’s widely expected that the Spurs could lead the league in assists next season.

But the Spurs didn’t sign Paul just to pad their assist numbers. They signed him to help improve their record and potentially make a playoff push. Last season, the Spurs finished with a dismal 22-60 record, placing them 14th in the Western Conference, just one spot above the cellar. However, history suggests that Paul could be the catalyst for a significant turnaround. In every first season after joining a new team, Paul has helped improve that team’s win percentage:

• Hornets: Previous season win percentage 22%, with Paul 46.3%
• Clippers: Previous season win percentage 39%, with Paul 60.6%
• Rockets: Previous season win percentage 67.1%, with Paul 79.3%
• Thunder: Previous season win percentage 59.8%, with Paul 61.1%
• Suns: Previous season win percentage 46.6%, with Paul 70.8%
• Warriors: Previous season win percentage 53.7%, with Paul 56.1%

Given these numbers, it’s not unreasonable to think the Spurs could see a similar boost next season. The projected starting lineup of Paul, Devin Vassell, Scottie Barnes, Keldon Johnson, and Wembanyama has the perfect blend of talent, youth, and experience to make some serious noise in the Western Conference. But how much will Paul’s presence truly elevate the Spurs? Could they jump from a bottom-tier team to a legitimate playoff contender?

One interesting aspect of Paul’s introduction to the Spurs is his own perspective on his role with the team. During his introductory press conference, Paul didn’t talk much about the team’s playoff aspirations or championship hopes. Instead, he focused on his desire for consistent playing time. Last season with the Warriors was a frustrating one for Paul, as he saw his minutes reduced to a career-low 26.4 per game and was forced to come off the bench in 40 of his 58 appearances—a first in his storied career. It’s clear that this experience left Paul with some resentment toward the Warriors, making it all the more surprising that he logged as many as 58 games. This frustration, combined with his advancing age—he’s approaching 40—has driven Paul to seek a more prominent role with the Spurs, a team without a player like Stephen Curry or any other significant competition at the point guard position.

Despite his age, Paul is expected to be the Spurs’ undisputed starting point guard. In San Antonio, he’ll be “the guy,” a role he hasn’t consistently held since his days in Houston. It’s likely that Paul and Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich had some deep conversations about his role and playing time before Paul signed on the dotted line. While Paul’s move to San Antonio might not seem like the typical path for a player chasing a championship, it’s clear that Paul is more interested in controlling his own destiny on the court, even if that means playing for a team that’s not quite in title contention.

The question of whether championships are the ultimate measure of success in the NBA is one that has long been debated. For Paul, it appears that the pursuit of a title isn’t as crucial as being in a situation where he feels valued and can contribute meaningfully on the court. With the Spurs, he has found that environment—a place where he can be the floor general, mentor a promising young talent like Wembanyama, and possibly lead one last playoff run before he eventually hangs up his sneakers.

As Paul begins this new chapter of his career, he does so with the knowledge that the championship ring he’s long sought might remain elusive. But for Paul, and for many players in his position, the journey and the ability to leave the game on their terms are just as important as the ultimate prize. Even if Paul never wins a title, his legacy as one of the greatest point guards to ever play the game is secure.

Now, as the Spurs prepare for the upcoming season, the focus shifts to how Paul’s leadership and experience will impact the team’s performance. Can he help guide this young squad to the playoffs in a brutally competitive Western Conference? Will his partnership with Wembanyama prove to be as dynamic as many predict? Or will the Spurs’ resurgence under Paul be more gradual, laying the groundwork for future success rather than immediate playoff glory?

One thing is certain: with Chris Paul now in the fold, the Spurs are no longer an afterthought in the NBA landscape. Instead, they’re a team on the rise, one that could very well disrupt the established order in the West. And while Paul’s No. 3 jersey might be on hiatus, his impact on the game—and on this Spurs team—will be anything but.