Not Re-Signing Chris Paul Cost the Spurs the NBA Finals, Isaiah Thomas Insists. Say What?!
Hold up, Seattle sports fans, because NBA legend Isaiah Thomas just dropped a bomb so big it's still shaking the league! We all saw the San Antonio Spurs make a run to the NBA Finals that felt way ahead of schedule. But Thomas? He's not just saying they came up short. He’s out here claiming one single offseason move cost them the whole damn championship, and honestly, after you hear it, you might just agree.
The Point God's Shadow Looms Large
Thomas, speaking on the Point Game Pod, didn’t mince words. He firmly believes the Spurs' decision not to bring back Chris Paul completely flipped the script on their season. "I believe if they had Chris Paul on this roster, they would've won the finals... His experience & who he is would've helped De'Aaron Fox, Castle, Harper," Thomas stated. That's a bold, bold claim, especially when you remember the Knicks actually snagged the series in five games and honestly looked like they were getting stronger as the Finals tightened. But can you really argue with the man? Paul's impact is undeniable.
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What Chris Paul Actually Did for the Spurs
Think back to the 2024-25 season. Chris Paul was in San Antonio, right? That was a 34-win campaign, remember, more about development than scoreboard wins. His scoring numbers were modest, yeah, but his influence was HUGE. The man started every single game, ran the offense like a maestro, and became a daily mentor for Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle. We’re talking about a guy who taught them pace, late-clock patience, crucial film habits, and how to manage possession after possession in the NBA grinder. These are the kinds of lessons that don’t just show up in a box score, but they win championships.
So why did the Spurs let him walk? Reports suggested there wasn't much interest in a reunion last summer, especially after De'Aaron Fox arrived and Dylan Harper joined the backcourt. Paul ended up back with the Clippers for what turned out to be his final season. And get this: San Antonio even passed on him again when he became available from the Clippers during last season! Letting him stay off the team all year? That’s the decision Thomas is questioning now, and it’s hard not to see his point.
Scars and Lessons for a Young Core
Maybe, just maybe, the Finals themselves gave San Antonio the hard-earned lessons Paul would have provided more quietly. Wembanyama, Fox, Castle, and Harper just got a baptism by fire, experiencing playoff pressure at its absolute sharpest. Wemby put up insane Finals numbers, averaging 26.0 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 3.6 blocks. Harper grew into a legit scoring option, and Castle learned firsthand how even tiny mistakes get amplified and punished in June. These guys aren't just a young team with future potential anymore; they're a young team with scars, and that’s a different beast.
Coach Popovich is still there, providing that strongest veteran voice, and guys like Harrison Barnes have helped keep the locker room grounded. That doesn’t totally replace Paul’s unique command, sure, but it means the Spurs aren't flying blind. Thomas might be right that Paul could have helped them steal a few late-game moments. But here's the kicker, the tougher truth for the rest of the league: San Antonio probably won't need that lesson twice. These kids just grew up fast, and that’s a scary thought for their opponents next season.
This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.