Though he might represent the Spurs today, one cannot overlook Chris Paul's contributions to the Clippers. The veteran guard played for the LA franchise for six seasons, helping build a fanbase and culture via the Lob City era.

Telepathy transpired a couple of months into Johnson’s third NBA season, years after Paul had recovered from a supposed downswing to regain first-class status in the point-guard hierarchy. His Phoenix Suns were mired in a close game, down six to the Portland Trail Blazers and hoping to hamper one of the world’s sharpest shooters.

Chris Paul has strung together three straight double-doubles, and his growing rapport with Wembanyama could help power the Spurs into the playoffs at last.

Paul’s tutelage has already begun in San Antonio. He recently warned rookie guard Stephon Castle about the dangers of sartorial sloppiness. If Castle checked in off the bench with his jersey untucked, he could be called for a delay of game, Paul told him, a niche rule Paul has exploited against opponents in the past.

Having signed a one-year, $10.5-million deal to come to San Antonio in July, the 39-year-old All-Star is set to make his debut with his new club Thursday when the Spurs open the regular season at Dallas. In doing so, Paul is set to join a rare club in NBA history.

The point of pre-game intros in basketball is to fire up the players before tip-off, but one of Chris Paul’s San Antonio Spurs teammates missed that memo last night. The 39-year-old Chris Paul was brought into San Antonio for his leadership and NBA experience.