Key moments from Spurs media day 2024
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Spurs coach Gregg Popovich speaks to reporters. Photo: Madalyn Mendoza/Axios
The Spurs held their annual media day Monday, providing a chance for journalists to regroup with the team — including new players Harrison Barnes and Chris Paul — ahead of the 2024-25 season.
The big picture: Winning was the center of the conversations across the board, from Spurs coach Gregg Popovich to sophomore Victor Wembanyama.
- Simply put, last season was the time to learn, but "this year the expectation is to win," Wemby told reporters.
Catch up quick: The Spurs signed NBA veterans Barnes (forward) and Paul (guard) in July.
- Popovich expects their additions to provide mentorship to the young team.
Yes, but: Though Paul is embracing the mentor role and is eager to guide Wemby and the rest of the young team through "growing pains," he's just as focused on making an impact on the court.
- "I'm trying to come in and hoop," he said.
- "I love to play basketball, and if I'm going to be away from my family, then I want it to be meaningful," Paul said of his move from Golden State to San Antonio. "I want to play, I want to compete, and this was the best opportunity to do that."
What they're saying: "You learn to hate to play against him, but at the same time you respect the hell out of him," Popovich said about Paul. "So to have him work in our family is pretty special. Sometimes I have to pinch myself to think about having the opportunity to watch him on a day-to-day basis."
- "He was one of my role models growing up. [...] I feel like it was the ultimate sign of respect," Keldon Johnson said of giving up the No. 3 jersey for Paul.
Threat level: "For him to be improving — it's going to be scary for the league this year," guard Devin Vassell said about Wemby's second season.
The bottom line: "I just focus on my actual responsibilities, because I don't have any responsibility to any of you, just with the guys in the locker room," Wemby told reporters.