In a big night on and off the court for the LA Clippers, veteran guard Chris Paul is returning to the fold. He rejoins the panel after a six-year hiatus. Paul’s time with the Clippers, thrilling as it was, went far beyond those six exhilarating seasons from 2011 to 2017. He remains the franchise’s all-time leader in assists and steals per game. He signed a new two-year deal with the Clippers, capping off a remarkable final chapter in his 20-year NBA career.
Paul’s return comes after a stint with the San Antonio Spurs, where he became their starting point guard during all 82 games of last season. Individually, Paul has a career 1,314 starts to his name out of 1,354 games played. This time, he’ll do it as a member of the Los Angeles bench. The move comes as the Clippers look to improve their roster while trying to mix in experience with their young core.
Despite transitioning to a bench role, Paul will maintain his iconic number 3 jersey, which he has worn throughout his entire NBA tenure.
“He’s worn No. 3 his entire NBA career,” said Lawrence Frank, the Clippers’ president of basketball operations.
Over his illustrious career, Paul has made three All-Star appearances and scored over 17,000 points while wearing the number 3 jersey. No one understands the floor as well as he does. His competitive spirit and leadership skills, along with his strong work ethic, make him an invaluable addition to the Clippers.
“Three All-Star appearances. I think he scored over 17,000 points in jersey No. 3,” Frank added.
The decision to re-hire Paul was done in consultation with all the important decision-makers on the team. James Harden and Kawhi Leonard have publicly asked the organization to acquire Paul. They touted the notion that he would bring a perfect temperament to a bench role.
“What James talked about with Chris was his ability to see the floor like few others, the leadership skills he brings, the competitiveness and his everyday work ethic and approach,” Frank noted.
Admittedly, the Clippers’ front office went to both Harden and Leonard before finalizing the trade, seeking their thoughts and concurrence on bringing Paul aboard. Their enthusiastic interest was key to getting everything settled and signed.
Brad Beal, one of the newest members of the Clippers roster, came through in a big way. He even offered to surrender his number 3 jersey to Paul when he first heard of his return.
“Once Brad heard that it was a possibility that Chris was coming, he said, ‘I want to give him my number,’” Frank reported.
Chris Paul, ’ member, is coming back! His veteran leadership and experience will be a major asset to an already stacked roster. His familiarity with the organization and its culture could provide a significant boost as the Clippers look to make a deep playoff run.
“There’ll be nights Chris plays a lot; there’ll be nights he does not,” Frank said, indicating that playing time will depend on matchups and game situations.
Now, Paul is going back to the Clippers, almost certainly reuniting with a franchise that perhaps knows him more than anybody. This change provides him with the ability to make a long-lasting change in a new position. As he steps into this role, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how he adjusts and impacts the team’s performance in the upcoming season.
Paul’s journey back to the Clippers is not only a reunion with a franchise that knows him well but also a chance for him to contribute in a new capacity. As he steps into this role, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how he adjusts and impacts the team’s performance in the upcoming season.
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