Chris Paul & Pop Speak Teaming Up After 'Despising One another'

Over the previous 20 years, Chris Paul and Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich have battled it out from the sideline and on the court docket a large 81 instances.

And there was no love misplaced.

“I’ve despised Chris for a few years,” Popovich mentioned.

The storied 75-year-old coach went on to elucidate why.

“It was tough to play towards him as a result of he’s a intelligent, intelligent, intelligent participant,” Popovich mentioned. “His IQ is off the charts. It was at all times tough as a result of he’s considering forward of all of us coaches.”

When it got here to Paul’s media session, he acknowledged that hateful feeling was certainly felt on each side.

“It’s mutual,” Paul mentioned.

He spoke in regards to the pair’s previous battles and is happy to be enjoying beneath Pop moderately than dealing with his staff.

“It was attention-grabbing,” Paul mentioned. “The sport was quite a bit totally different then in the best way it was performed. I’ve performed for quite a lot of coaches now and am at all times enthusiastic about studying new issues. In fact, I perceive the information of the sport that I’ve, however I by no means cease studying. I’m excited to listen to Pop’s approach of doing issues.”

In addition to teaming up with Pop, Paul will probably be teaming up with the most well liked younger participant within the league – Victor Wembanyama.

The pair haven’t taken the court docket collectively as but, however CP3 has already pinpointed some areas the place he thinks he can elevate the French native’s recreation.

“Completely,” Paul mentioned. “Simply from us enjoying pickup, watching movie. He’s additionally happening his second 12 months. The league has undoubtedly modified and advanced since I used to be in my second 12 months. There’s a distinct kind of highlight on him than was on me and lots of different gamers. Simply attempting to verify he has the boldness to know that he can do no matter.”