Spurs splashy Chris Paul signing could make big waves: instant reaction and analysis

Having what many people expect will be the next face of the league in Victor Wembanyama, the San Antonio Spurs appear to be on a mission to win games next season. Prior to signing NBA legend Chris Paul, that seemed to be a tall task considering that the Western Conference is incredibly tough. After all, the Spurs finished with the second-worst record in their conference and with the fifth-worst record in the league last season.

Fortunately for the Spurs, agreeing to a deal with Paul should help them turn things around surprising quickly, especially with his track record. He quickly turned the New Orleans Hornets into a title contender after being drafted in 2005, with them nearly going to the Western Conference Finals in 2009, had it not been for the Spurs.

Chris Paul could transform the San Antonio Spurs.

He later led the LA Clippers to their best stretch of success in franchise history. Then there was his stint with the Phoenix Suns, where he helped them snap their decade-long playoff drought and helped them make the NBA Finals.

Now, the Spurs could thrive thanks to the "Paul effect," with him serving as the perfect point guard for them to pair with Wembanyama given his mastery of the pick and roll and Wembanyama's size and skill. He could even be the perfect mentor for fourth-overall pick Stephon Castle, who may eventually succeed him as the team's starting point guard.

After speculation that they could trade for a star and start to fill their need at point guard, Paul's signing is a great short-term signing that should accelerate their rebuild. That might make him an incredibly underrated addition, with the Spurs having plenty of young prospects in need of veteran mentorship needed to help turn some of them into legit NBA players. Great signing by the Spurs.