What has been cooking for a few weeks is finally a reality. Chris Paul and the Clippers are having a reunion, and he is set to return to the franchise he helped elevate among the NBA’s elite. Before CP3 joined the Los Angeles Clippers back in 2011, the team hadn’t experienced much success. Since then, they haven’t had a losing season. Now, Paul returns to the franchise to try and finish the job he couldn’t: win a championship.
Chris Paul Set to Recharge the Clippers’ Title Hopes
After eight seasons, Chris Paul is coming back to the Clippers, making the reunion official. This time, he will join the team as likely the ninth or tenth player in the rotation. He is no longer the star he was when he first came to Los Angeles. Yet, he proved with the Spurs that he can still be a valuable contributor to winning. Last season, CP3 played all 82 games and posted averages of 8.8 points, 7.4 assists, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.3 steals in 28 minutes of action.
Even at age 40, Chris had multiple suitors, but he chose the contending Clippers due to their shared history in Los Angeles. Paul is the latest veteran addition to the team. The Clippers will have one of the oldest rosters for next season, but they also have one of the most experienced ones. It seems that, unlike most teams who are going younger, the Clippers are going older in trying to make a final push for the elusive championship or Finals appearance.
Chris Paul, the Legend of Los Angeles
Paul previously played six seasons with the Clippers. In those six seasons, he became the franchise’s leader in assists, taking the crown from Randy Smith. Smith played for the Buffalo Braves in the 1970s. That shows you how long the Clippers have lacked a true star at the point guard position.
CP3 is also the franchise’s leader in win shares and player efficiency rating. Here is an interesting fact: before Paul joined the franchise in 2011, they had only six winning seasons, dating back to their time as the Buffalo Braves. Right now, the Clippers have the longest active streak of consecutive winning seasons at 14. They made the playoffs in each of his six seasons in Los Angeles. During his first stint in LA, Paul was selected for five All-NBA teams, which is the most for any player in Clippers history.
There is one more category that he can challenge for franchise leader. Right now, he is 170 steals behind Smith. It is hard seeing him achieve it, but the possibility is there. Last season, Paul totaled 103 steals. If he plays two more seasons with the Clippers, he might get there.
Chris Paul Clippers Reunion Provides Roster Flexibility
The Clippers have had an amazing offseason so far, and with the signing of Chris Paul, they have even more options. Right now, they have a legit 10-man rotation. After signing Bradley Beal, Paul will likely be the 11th man on the roster. But, that will give them flexibility to try different lineups, or rest James Harden more and have him fresh for the playoffs. Last season, Harden had to do almost all the playmaking on the team. This season, Paul is there to provide some quality backup minutes.
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