Chris Paul is set to rejoin the LA Clippers for what is expected to be his 21st and final NBA season as a point guard. The Clippers announced his signing on Monday afternoon. Paul has a strong legacy with the team, having led them to the playoffs in each of his six seasons there.
Lawrence Frank, the president of Basketball Operations, praised Paul as one of the most influential players in Clippers history and welcomed his return for this new chapter in his career. Paul, a 12-time All-Star, became a free agent after completing a full season with the San Antonio Spurs, where he played all 82 games and averaged 8.8 points, 7.4 assists, and a 43% shooting rate.
Paul expressed his desire to play closer to his family in Los Angeles next season. He will join a veteran roster that now includes new guard additions Bradley Beal, John Collins, Brook Lopez, Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, and Bogdan Bogdanovic.
Frank highlighted Paul’s exceptional ball-handling, playmaking, and shooting skills, which will bolster the Clippers’ backcourt. During his initial six-year stint with the Clippers, Paul formed a powerful “Rob City” trio alongside Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan, earning five All-Star selections and setting the franchise record with 4,023 assists. He averaged 18.8 points, 9.8 assists, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.2 steals over 409 games.
Paul left the Clippers in 2017 to join the Houston Rockets, seeking a fresh challenge and championship contention with James Harden. He later played for Oklahoma City, Phoenix, Golden State, and San Antonio before returning to LA.
Last season, the Clippers finished with a 50-32 record, placing fifth and losing a seven-game first-round series to Denver. Frank stated that Paul was signed to complement the rotation of guards Harden, Beal, Bogdanovic, and Chris Dunn, providing depth and veteran presence. Paul is expected to come off the bench and fill any role as needed under coach Tyronn Lue.
The Clippers also aim to manage Harden’s minutes, as he played nearly 2,800 minutes last season at age 35. Paul’s signing is viewed as injury insurance to help sustain the team throughout the rigorous 82-game schedule and into the playoffs.
Frank emphasized the importance of understanding and embracing Paul’s role on this seasoned roster.
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Fan Take: Chris Paul’s return to the Clippers is a win for basketball fans who appreciate his leadership and skill on the court. His veteran presence and experience could be the key to pushing the Clippers deeper into the playoffs in what might be a defining season for one of the game’s best point guards.
