1 week Ago By Jonah Kubicek, NBA Analysis Network
The San Antonio Spurs ended a season they would likely rather forget, but they made history in two ways. The San Antonio Spurs could not control their disappointing 2024-25 NBA season. Entering with hopes of making the postseason, they paired generational youngster Victor Wembanyama with Chris Paul , an all-time great point guard looking for one last ride as he turns 39.
San Antonio would later add De’Aaron Fox , but then, unfortunate injuries and illnesses piled up. Legendary Gregg Popovich suffered a stroke in November and did not return. Wembanyama was diagnosed with a blood clot in his shoulder and had his season ended over All-Star Weekend, and Fox would also have his season ended early with a finger injury.
Despite the disappointment, the Spurs made some NBA history in their final game, a 125-118 win over the Toronto Raptors. Spurs enjoy durability from three key players This season, veterans Paul and Harrison Barnes played–and started–all 82 games. Paul is in his 20th season, and his elite longevity and durability this season have been overshadowed by LeBron James, who is a year older.
James is playing alongside his son, which just adds to the jaw-dropping storyline that has been James’ career. Paul’s eldest son won’t commit to a college until 2028, so they will never share the floor. However, along with Julian Champagnie, who played in all 82 games as well, the Spurs are the only team this season with three players to play in every game.
In fact, the Spurs are the first team since the 2018 Minnesota Timberwolves to have three players play in all 82 games, and San Antonio hasn’t accomplished the feat since Tim Duncan, Antonio Daniels, and Malik Rose did it in 2002. Barnes shot a career-best 43.6% from 3-point range, and Champagnie is on a team-friendly contract through 2026-27.
If Paul returns, it’s safe to say that all three players will continue to have roles next season. Chris Paul passed Michael Jordan in longevity category Paul, as of April 13, is officially the third-oldest player to play in all 82 games. Ahead of him are John Stockton, who turned 40 during the 2002-03 season, and Michael Jordan , who was a few months older than Paul is when he completed a full season in 2002-03 as well.
However, Jordan came off the bench in 15 of those games for the Washington Wizards . Paul is now the second-oldest player, behind only Stockton, for the title of oldest player to start every game. This season, Paul averaged 8.
7 points and 7.4 assists. In his record-setting season, Stockton averaged 10.
8 points and 7.7 assists. Earlier this season, Paul passed Jason Kidd for second-place all-time in both steals and assists, trailing only Stockton in both categories.
While Stockton’s lead in those categories is all but impossible to beat, there is a chance Paul can pass Stockton’s age record if a team signs him to a contract for next year, his age 40 season. This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission..
