Breaking News: “It’s a lot lonelier than people realize” – Chris Paul and DeMar DeRozan on playing under Gregg Popovich…see more

CP3 might have joined the Spurs late in his career, already a seasoned veteran with a résumé that included multiple All-NBA selections and a reputation as one of the league’s top point guards, but his introduction to Popovich revealed a side of coaching he hadn’t fully experienced elsewhere.

“When I signed and I found out I was going to San Antonio and I talked to Pop, that was one of the first things he asked me about,” Paul said. “He was like, ‘You let me know if you need to go see your family, if you need to do this, if you need to do that.

You just appreciate that ’cause it’s a lot lonelier than people realize.” For the point guard, this gesture spoke volumes about the San Antonio head coach’s leadership style.

In a surprising move during the 2024 NBA free agency, CP3 signed a one-year, $11 million deal with the Spurs, joining the longtime NBA coach.

Although his tenure in San Antonio probably won’t last as long as other stops in his career, the impact of playing under Popovich is undeniable.