Clippers Face Harsh Chris Paul Reality Spurs Already Knew
The San Antonio Spurs have started the new season strong, powered by the dynamic play of Steph Castle and Dylan Harper. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Clippers are discovering a limitation the Spurs had already encountered with veteran guard Chris Paul.
Paul spent one season in San Antonio, where his leadership and playmaking helped the team’s young players mature. Yet during that time, a significant limitation in his game became apparent—his reluctance or inability to drive into the paint.
"Paul was either unwilling or unable to attack the paint. His inability to do so resulted in the Spurs ranking poorly in rim drives when he was on the floor."
This shortcoming limited the Spurs’ offense, as the team struggled to generate efficient rim pressure when Paul directed the game. Point guards who can’t penetrate the defense reduce their impact not only as scorers but also as facilitators.
The Clippers are now facing the same issue firsthand. Attacking defenders creates space for open shooters and easy finishes around the rim, yet Paul’s lack of aggressiveness inside disrupts those opportunities. When San Antonio first brought him in, many expected that he would form instant chemistry with Victor Wembanyama as a lob partner, but that connection never materialized.
Now, with De’Aaron Fox set to join Harper and Castle—three guards known for their relentless drives to the basket—the Spurs look prepared to correct the flaw that once limited them with Paul at the helm.
Author’s Summary
The Clippers are realizing Chris Paul’s reluctance to attack the paint limits their offense, a flaw the Spurs already confronted during his stint in San Antonio.