Skip to main content
Come Fan with UsTuesday, June 23, 2026

Chris Paul’s legendary IQ showed in forcing Victor Wembanyama to tie up Zach Edey for jump ball

Chris Paul’s legendary hoops IQ was on full display again by forcing a Wemby vs. Zach Edey jump ball.

Ricky O'Donnell
Ricky O'Donnell has covered basketball at all levels for more than a decade at SB Nation. He’s currently the Associate Director of Programming.

Chris Paul is a basketball mastermind. At age-39, Paul was brought to San Antonio over the summer to help shepherd second-year superstar Victor Wembanyama and attempt to return the Spurs to relevance. CP3 is having a tremendous season for a player his age, and it feels like it’s gone a little under the radar as LeBron James’ 40-year-old season has received widespread acclaim. Paul’s brilliance still shows up on the floor regularly, and it happened again on Wednesday night against the Memphis Grizzlies.

In the second quarter, Grizzlies rookie Zach Edey fell to the floor with the ball in his hands. Paul was in position to tie him up for the jump ball, but 6-foot-nothing CP3 is not beating the 7’4 Edey for a jump ball. Instead of tying him up, Paul literally forced Wembanyama’s hands to tie up Edey. The 7’5 Wembanyama and Edey had a jump ball, which was controlled by Spurs forward Julian Champagnie to gain possession.

This is subtle genius from CP3. What a legend.

This is Paul’s legendary basketball IQ on full display. We’ve seen so many examples of Paul’s ruthless competitiveness and high IQ over the years, Remember when Paul was playing for the Thunder, and he snitched on a Timberwolves player for having an untucked jersey, which drew a technical foul? Add this one to the highlight reel.

Only CP3, man. What a player.

See More:

More in NBA

NBA
The Spurs’ De’Aaron Fox problem only has 1 good solution, and it’s not trading himThe Spurs’ De’Aaron Fox problem only has 1 good solution, and it’s not trading him
NBA

Here’s what the Spurs should do with De’Aaron Fox.

By Mat Issa
NBA
NBA Draft’s 60 best players in 2026 class, rankedNBA Draft’s 60 best players in 2026 class, ranked
NBA

Let’s rank the 60 best players in the 2026 NBA Draft.

By Ricky O'Donnell
Men's College Basketball
Dallas Mavericks instant grade for Dusty May’s stunning hire as team’s next head coachDallas Mavericks instant grade for Dusty May’s stunning hire as team’s next head coach
Men's College Basketball

Let’s grade the Mavs’ decision to hire Dusty May away from Michigan.

By Ricky O'Donnell
NBA
Giannis trade rumors: 2 teams still in mix after Celtics include Jaylen Brown in offerGiannis trade rumors: 2 teams still in mix after Celtics include Jaylen Brown in offer
NBA

A Giannis trade is reportedly coming before the draft, and there’s two teams left.

By Ricky O'Donnell
NBA
We didn’t get to the Knicks parade, but this father already got a better celebrationWe didn’t get to the Knicks parade, but this father already got a better celebration
NBA

On the Knicks parade, fatherhood, sports fandom, and the war on attention spans

By Abe Beame
NBA
NBA mock draft 2026: Big changes to lottery on the brink of first-roundNBA mock draft 2026: Big changes to lottery on the brink of first-round
NBA

Here’s an updated NBA mock draft ahead of Tuesday’s first round.

By Ricky O'Donnell

Comments
Loading comments
Getting the conversation ready...