The LA Clippers have pulled off a coup. Chris Paul is back in Los Angeles, and it feels like the missing piece of a puzzle clicking into place.
The 40-year-old veteran signed a one-year deal worth £2.9 million on Monday. It’s not about the money anymore. Paul wants to finish his career where it all began to make sense – in a Clippers (17.05) shirt.
This isn’t just any signing. Paul spent six brilliant years with the Clippers between 2011 and 2017. Those were the “Lob City” days when Blake Griffin dunked everything and DeAndre Jordan caught lobs all day long. Paul was the conductor of that orchestra.
The numbers tell the story. Paul racked up 4,023 assists during his first stint with the franchise. That record still stands today. No Clipper has come close to matching it. He averaged 18.8 points and 9.8 assists across 409 games. Quality stuff.
“Chris is one of the most impactful players ever to wear a Clippers uniform,” said Lawrence Frank, the team’s president of basketball operations. Frank’s not wrong. Paul made five All-Star teams whilst wearing red, white and blue. He also earned five All-NBA selections – another franchise record.
Why Now?
Paul had options. The Milwaukee Bucks (26.08) wanted him. So did the Charlotte Hornets and Dallas Mavericks. But family trumps everything. Paul’s loved ones live in Los Angeles. At 40, being close to them matters more than chasing the biggest contract.
Last season with San Antonio (46.14proved Paul still has something left. He played all 82 games – the first player ever to do that in his 20th season or later. That’s proper dedication. He averaged 8.8 points and 7.4 assists whilst shooting 43% from the field. Not bad for someone who’s older than most NBA coaches.
The Clippers finished 50-32 last season and reached the playoffs. They pushed Denver (15.04) to seven games in the first round before falling short. Adding Paul gives them more depth and experience when it matters most.
A Different Role This Time
Don’t expect Paul to start. Those days are behind him. He’ll come off the bench as the backup point guard behind James Harden. That’s fine by him.
“He is joining us as a reserve point guard and is excited to fill whatever role Tyronn Lue asks him to play,” Frank explained. “He wants to be part of the group.”
The Clippers need this. Harden played nearly 2,800 minutes last season at age 35. That’s a lot of wear and tear. Paul offers insurance when injuries hit – and they always do during an 82-game slog plus playoffs.
The roster looks tasty now. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George anchor the wings. Harden runs the offence. New signings Bradley Beal, John Collins and Brook Lopez add quality depth. Bogdan Bogdanovic provides shooting off the bench. Now, Paul brings leadership and playoff know-how.
Full Circle Moment
Paul’s journey since leaving LA in 2017 has been winding. He went to Houston chasing a ring with Harden. That didn’t work. Oklahoma City (4.21) came next for one season. Phoenix (181.57) followed for three years. Golden State got him for one campaign. San Antonio (46.14) was supposed to be a rebuilding year.
Now he’s back where the magic first happened. Paul ranks second all-time in both assists (12,499) and steals (2,717). Only John Stockton has more assists. That’s elite company.
The 2005 Rookie of the Year has won individual awards and made All-Star teams. But a championship remains elusive. At 40, this might be his final shot. The Clippers give him that chance while keeping him close to family.
Los Angeles feels right for Paul’s farewell tour. The fans remember those Lob City years fondly. The team knows what he brings. Most importantly, Paul understands his role.
This isn’t about ego anymore. It’s about winning. The Point God is home.
