History will remember that it was on an alley-oop with Victor Wembanyama, in the first quarter against the Lakers, that Chris Paul reached the symbolic mark of 12,000 assists in the NBA.
Already the third best passer in the Great League, the 39-year-old leader, who is playing his 20th NBA season, is now part of a very private club, since it only includes, in addition to himself, John Stockton (15,806 assists), the legendary Jazz leader, and Jason Kidd (12,091 passes).
“It’s crazy”he first reacted. “Most of all, I am grateful for the opportunity to play in the NBA. “I remember the first time I played at Utah, I looked at John Stockton's jersey and jokingly said to myself I'm going to break his assist record.”
“To last in the NBA requires enormous commitment”
Arriving from the Warriors in the off-season, the “Point God” brings experience and serenity to this young Texan team (24 years old on average). The first player in history to have totaled 20,000 points and 10,000 assists, the 4th choice of the 2005 Draft has been unanimous since his arrival at the Alamo City.
“Sometimes I'm just fascinated just listening to him give advice to his teammates. And I tell myself that I should have thought of that”said Gregg Popovich, currently on the sidelines following his “mild stroke”, at the start of the season.
Before considering his reconversion, Chris Paul will continue to support Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs in the reconstruction of the franchise.
In front of the press, he insisted on the demands that high level demands over time. “To last in this league, you need a lot of work and a little luck, too”he wants to emphasize. “But I am grateful to my family because it is my loved ones who have had to make the most sacrifices. I studied the game more than anyone. Even during evenings with my wife, I take my iPad to watch the matches. Lasting in the NBA requires a huge commitment: you have to eat well and train well, even when you're on vacation. »
From our correspondent in San Antonio (United States).
