SAN ANTONIO — The San Antonio Spurs will host the Orlando Magic at the Frost Bank Center tonight. This game will also mark Chris Paul's debut and Victor Wembanyama's return to the court.
The pair did not play in the team's preseason opener versus the Thunder.
The Spurs signed Paul to a one-year deal in July, adding veteran leadership on and off the court.
"I always say I hate to lose more than I like to win," the 12-time All-Star said.
We'll see how many Paul to Wemby lob dunks the duo will connect on against Orlando.
The Spurs announced that Charles Bassey, Zach Collins, David Duke Jr., Nathan Mensah, and Devin Vassell will miss the game.
SPURS, WEMBY DOT ANNUAL NBA GM SURVEY
The annual NBA General Manager Survey has been released, and Wembanyama received plenty of praise.
If GMs were starting a franchise today and could sign any player in the NBA, 77% of votes went to Wemby.
Wembanyama received 10% of votes for the player to have a breakout season and 3% for the best center in the league and the best international player in the NBA.
To no one's shock, Wembanyama received 40% of the votes for the best defensive player in the NBA and the best interior defender. He also received 13% of votes for the most versatile defender.
Coach Gregg Popovich (10%) also received some votes for being the best manager/motivator of people.
Paul received 30% of the votes for an active player who could become the best head coach someday. Harrison Barnes also received votes for this category.
Paul also got recognized among players with the best basketball IQ.
The Spurs came in third with the most promising young core behind the Thunder and Rockets and received votes (10%) as a team that will be most improved in 2024-25, only trailing the Grizzlies.
Rookie Stephon Castle came in third (13% of votes) to win the 2024-25 Rookie of the Year and 17% to be the best player in five years, trailing Rockets' Reed Sheppard.
Check out the complete voting to see where more Spurs received votes in other categories.
What do you think, Spurs fans? Let us know on X at @KENS5 and @JeffGSpursKENS5.