Looking for the right cast of characters to deliver the franchise their first NBA championship, the Los Angeles Clippers are considering a blast from the past.
Clippers Considering Chris Paul Reunion
If the Golden State Warriors waive Chris Paul before his $30 million salary for the 2024-25 season becomes fully guaranteed on Jun. 28, the Clippers would entertain a reunion with the future Hall of Fame point guard, per NBA insider Marc Stein.
Paul played for the Clippers for six seasons, in which time he reached the zenith of his remarkable career. With he, Blake Griffin, and DeAndre Jordan forming a Big 3, Paul’s passing ability transformed Los Angeles into ‘Lob City.’ Reaching the playoffs every year with the Clippers, Paul’s team was on the best run in franchise history. Prior to his arrival, the only other time that they had at least three straight playoff berths was between 1974-76.
Back then, they were called the Buffalo Braves.
L.A. couldn’t make it past the second round in Paul’s tenure, tainting the image of his time there. However, Doc Rivers’ postseason woes since parting ways with the Clippers highlights the role he played in their downfall. To that point, while there was eventually tension between Paul and Griffin, winning is the best salve in sports.
Had L.A. been able to win a championship, Paul may have never signed with the Houston Rockets in 2018.
An Ever-Changing League
With or without the Clippers, Paul was destined to be an all-time great.
Drafted by the New Orleans Hornets with the fourth overall pick in the 2005 NBA Draft, the North Carolina native quickly reached stardom. Indeed, he was already a four-time All-Star by the time he was traded the Clippers, leading the league in assists twice and steals twice as many times. Proving himself to be the best true point guard since Isiah Thomas early on, Paul was once considered the best point guard ever.
Hence the nickname, ‘The Point God.’
Certainly, Warriors guard Stephen Curry had something to say about that. He’s a two-time MVP and four-time champion who altered the league with his unparalleled outside jumper. With that said, due to Curry’s sensational shot-making leading to a Golden State dynasty, traditional point guards have been eclipsed by lead guards who have more of a scoring punch though it comes at the expense of their playmaking.
However, if referring to a textbook point guard, there’s been no one better than Paul. Fortunately for him, as the league continues to evolve, teams are now appreciating floor generals again.
Indeed, balanced decision-makers like Boston Celtics point guard Derrick White and Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Mike Conley have been invaluable to their teams. Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton may be the best true point guard since Paul himself. Dallas Mavericks point guard Luka Doncic transcends categorization, but he’s averaged at least 8.0 assists per game over the past five seasons.
Each of them are currently in the Conference Finals.
In a copycat league, that makes a player like Paul more valuable than he’s been in a long time. At 39 years old and long past his athletic prime though, he’s just not worth a $30 million salary.
Chris Paul’s Fit With the Clippers
Considering the way that James Harden played last season, Paul would likely be a cheaper alternative in free agency.
To that point, Harden averaged 16.6 points and 8.5 assists in 34.3 minutes per game in 2023-24. Paul averaged 12.5 points and 9.2 assists per 36 minutes in 2023-24. In his last full season as a starter (2022-23), Paul averaged 13.9 points and 8.9 assists per game.
Outside of the numbers, there’s overlap in their strengths and weaknesses are similar at this stage of their careers. They have an advanced understanding of the game, allowing them to manipulate defenses with relative ease. They’re knockdown shooters from beyond the arc. Neither are particularly effective on-ball defenders though they know how to create turnovers.
However, Harden is a more potent scorer, naturally aggressive with a knack for finishing in the lane. Having lost a fair amount of his agility, the smaller Paul often stops short of a full-on drive, preferring to take a midrange jumper. This will be the biggest difference between the two, and it may lead to Norman Powell replacing Terance Mann in the starting lineup due to Powell’s scoring ability.
