You know Spurs basketball is on the horizon when you see Coach Popovich at the podium cracking jokes. Training camp begins tomorrow, October 1st, and the Spurs are answering questions for their annual media day as this article is transcribed. It’s one of the most exciting times of the year as no games have been played yet, so optimism and positivity abound.

If there’s one thing Pop will do to his players, it’s make fun of them. But he expressed a feeling that almost every Spurs fan in the world has felt over the years: a disdain for Chris Paul. He’s been an opponent for 20 years, no matter where he’s been, and when you think about it, he probably holds the title of being the biggest pain in San Antonio’s back in that time.

It was what everyone expected: CP3 is here to take the lead. But he’s also here to bounce. There is a natural balance that Chris Paul has a lot of experience with. It is neither one nor the other. He may be 39 years old, but we live in a different time. Athletes have access to the best training methods imaginable to extend their playing careers.

Tom Brady, LeBron James, Vince Carter, etc. are examples of this. These guys still believe in themselves, and while confidence is as important as anything else, their bodies can handle more. That will be necessary since Paul enters the building as the best point guard on the roster.

It’s the perfect storm, as the other options at point guard this summer would have cost the Spurs much more. Paul wants to play and Coach Pop needs him. Last year’s youngest team in the league needs leadership, and CP3 will be the steady hand to guide them to more victories.

When Paul held his introductory press conference after his summer signing, he was clear that one of the main reasons for joining San Antonio was that he wants to play, and the Spurs are giving him the “best opportunity to do that,” a point he made repeated on media day.

One thing is clear: these players are here to win. Don’t grow gradually. They assume it will happen on its own, but Harrison Barnes and Chris Paul are here to get Ws and that’s all Spurs fans want from them.