Chris Paul, the grizzled NBA wizened vet with 20 years under his belt has found his way back to the Los Angeles Clippers. He finished last season with the San Antonio Spurs. This announcement marks an exciting new chapter in his career. That moment ushers in a new chapter for his family, who have officially moved to Los Angeles. Paul sits second all-time in NBA history in steals and assists, only behind John Stockton. Over the course of his brilliant career, that’s 17 points, 9.2 assists, 2.0 steals per game in over 1,354 games played. As he takes the court again, donning that illustrious number 3 for L.A., he brings a renewed sense of purpose and a wealth of experience.
A year ago, Paul established his own ironman credentials with an 82-game run with the Spurs, sporting that No. His decision to come back to the Clippers goes a lot further than that. His family’s journey parallels so strongly with his career. We talked about how they relocated to Los Angeles during his stint with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors, and Spurs. With his family finally having moved to the city, Paul said that this homecoming has felt like going home.
Paul’s aspirations extend well beyond the hardwood. All in all, it’s no surprise that experts speculate he will receive a first-ballot inductee status in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. He knows, even if he won’t admit it, that he will play for only one more year. He said that after the 2024-25 season is over, he will evaluate how he feels physically and talk to his family about his next steps.
During the press conference, Paul’s wife, Jada Paul, testified to some of the hardships endured along the way during Paul’s NBA journey. She explained the impact of his absence, particularly on their home life. That was particularly difficult during the grueling 2019-2020 season when they were apart due to the NBA Bubble in Orlando.
“I would say that I took him for granted when we lived here before and in Houston because he was there to do the school pickups. And then it was all up to me. I didn’t realize it until he was gone,” – Jada Paul.
Jada had such relief and happiness when Chris came back to Los Angeles. She noted the important emotional counterbalance he provides for their children at this formative time of their lives.
“I’m so happy. With the kids getting older, it makes so much of a difference. Just in the summer we’ve had him home coaching them in real time at their games. It’s just been big for them,” – Jada Paul.
Beyond being able to better support his family with the pay raise, Paul’s return has taken the pressure usually found during contract negotiations. As Jada pointed out, without that stress, he’s able to get back to enjoying the game again.
“Being here is great because there is no pressure… Just go have fun,” – Jada Paul.
In celebrating his father’s return, Chris Paul Jr. shared his enthusiasm for the family’s upcoming reunion in Los Angeles.
“It doesn’t just mean the world to me, it means the world to everybody. Everybody is happy that he is back,” – Chris Paul Jr.
As Paul embarks on this new chapter with the Clippers, he’s looking forward to the journey ahead. He values the gifts of family and basketball equally, seeing both as precious blessings.
“The basketball and life and all that is a blessing. And that’s fun,” – Chris Paul.
He knows just how important it is to be there for his kids in their formative years. Yet he’s aware of the moments lost due to his profession.
“Our kids are at a very unique age where I know I missed a lot of time. And it’s not about making it up; it’s about doing what you can,” – Chris Paul.
His transition back to the Clippers grounds him in a little more sentiment. He recounts his feelings while returning to a deeply familiar coliseum. That hall is rich in memories from his first go-around with the organization.
“It’s a new arena. But it feels familiar. I never thought we’d come back. It’s great,” – Jada Paul.
Returning to the Clippers makes perfect sense to cater to his family’s emotional health and stability. Jada understood the importance of the whole household’s cohesion in her husband’s success. Her instinct was for them to all bloom together and her work involved making sure that they did.
“We’ll see [about the future], but having him home definitely makes it easier,” – Jada Paul.
— C.J., Chris Paul’s brother The advice that the hometown-drafting 2017 NBA Draft C.J. Second, Chris decided to go back to the Clippers—a team where he had experienced plenty of success and camaraderie before.
It’s hard not to be optimistic as Chris Paul embarks on his first full season with the Clippers. Fans couldn’t be more excited to see this familiar face, and his family couldn’t be more prepared to cheer him on as they all enter this exciting new chapter together.
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