Why Victor Wembanyama's habit in the ‘funniest locker room’ left Chris Paul so puzzled

May 3, 2026 - 22:00

0 0

Victor Wembanyama celebrates with Chris Paul

Why Victor Wembanyama's habit in the ‘funniest locker room’ left Chris Paul so puzzled originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

After 21 seasons on the court, legendary point guard Chris Paul has officially retired from the NBA. Known as a "first-ballot" Hall of Famer, he is widely considered one of the best leaders to ever play the game.

Paul spent his final season with the San Antonio Spurs, where he used his years of experience to mentor the young star Victor Wembanyama. His retirement marks the end of an incredible career for a player who truly mastered the art of being a point guard.

The veteran recently appeared on the Pat McAfee Show to reminisce about the culture in San Antonio. He shared a viral story about Wembanyama's unique habits, noting that while most young players today are always on their phones or social media, "Vic" often walks into the training room carrying a book to read.

This simple hobby, along with his deep knowledge of basketball history, left the 20-year veteran "in awe" of the young superstar's maturity.

"We played against the Knicks last year and the next morning he was at the park playing people at chess..

That was one of the funnest locker rooms that I've ever been in" ~ @CP3 #PMSLive https://t.co/WqTN1YIl76 pic.twitter.com/cRcTlquMUL— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) May 1, 2026

Paul also highlighted Wembanyama's love for chess, comparing the young star's intelligence to that of a grandmaster. Wembanyama is an avid player who has even challenged fans to impromptu matches at Washington Square Park in New York City.

"We played against the Knicks last year and the next morning he was at the park playing people at chess..That was one of the funnest locker rooms that I've ever been in," Paul said.

Wembanyama’s love for chess showed a mental discipline that matched Paul's own basketball IQ. This shared focus turned Paul's final season into a rare exchange of strategy between the "Point God" and the league's brightest future star.

Paul has now joined the coaching staff at Campbell Hall High School in California. This move allows him to mentor his son, Chris Paul II, who is a standout guard for the team.