"Chris Paul will be more valuable than Gregg Popovich": Skip Bayless makes bullish declaration over Spurs $11,000,000 pursuit 

Longtime NBA analyst Skip Bayless shared a controversial take on the San Antonio Spurs' acquisition of Chris Paul. After being waived by the Golden State Warriors, Paul signed with the Spurs on a one-year, $11 million deal to team up with rising star Victor Wembanyama.

The Spurs' signing of Paul has elevated the team and many expect great things from the two players. However, one key component of the Spurs' equation is Gregg Popovich, who was often left off in discussions when the team signed the veteran point guard.

Bayless then shared a surprising take on the situation between the Spurs, Paul, and Popovich.

"I believe that Chris Paul at age 39 as a coach for the Spurs, as a player-coach but more of a coach than a player," Bayless said.

"Nobody on this planet can show Victor Wembanyama and the other younger Spurs how to run a pick-and-roll, how to win basketball games in the National Basketball Association better than CP3... Maybe the new 'coach' of the San Antonio Spurs is Paul. Next year, Paul will be more valuable than the man many consider the greatest coach ever, Gregg Popovich."

Bayless' take might be too much for most fans, especially Spurs fans. However, Paul has a reputation for being a great on-court leader, which helps the coach have another strategist on the team.

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Stephen A. Smith shares opinion on Chris Paul's arrival at San Antonio

Paul has accomplished so much in the NBA but is still longing to capture the Larry O'Brien Trophy. With his decision to join the Spurs, the chances of him winning a title went down. ESPN's Stephen A. Smith addressed the increased possibility of San Antonio not contending for a title, even with Paul on the team.

"When you are as illustrious as Chris Paul has been in his career as a point guard, I’d like to see you vying for a championship… You ain’t winning no championship in San Antonio, they’re just too young," Smith said.

SAS talked about it at the 1:54 mark.

Still, the longtime analyst praised Paul's skills and his ability to become the much-needed veteran presence for the Spurs.