It’s a full-circle moment for Chris Paul as he reunites with the Los Angeles Clippers for his final NBA season. The two parties share a long history, going back to the Lob City days. Their previous stint spanned between 2011 and 2017, giving fans several unforgettable moments.
Turning 40 a couple of months back, CP announced that the 2025-26 season will serve as the final chapter in his book. Entering free agency after a one-year deal with the Spurs, Paul found the ideal destination with the Clippers, marking a storybook ending to his decorated career.
However, there have been doubts over Paul meshing with the current roster, especially with Bradley Beal also joining the mix. While the expectations have indeed risen, the Clippers are also the oldest team in the league, heading into the 2025-26 season.
Addressing all the concerns on a recent appearance on the Club Shay Shay podcast, Coach T-Lue shed light on the recent developments.
“Being 40 years old and playing 82 games last year. He (CP) has done a great job as far as just changing his diet, you know, how he eats, how he trains, and he’s going to be huge for us. I think, for our young guys, teaching them how to work, teach them how to be professional, and then being a hell of a passer and creator, and he takes care of the basketball, he doesn’t turn the ball over. So, that’s huge for us,” explained Lue, who believes the Clips have only improved.
CP as the difference maker
Over the years, Paul has earned a reputation for making almost every team he joined better than before. Something visible from his tenures with the Rockets, Thunder, Suns and Spurs. His veteran leadership and playmaking are the key to his success.
Paul has mentored talents like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Devin Booker and Victor Wembanayama, who have proved to be great success stories. Yet, the veteran guard failed to find a place he could call home since leaving the Clippers, as he shuffled between multiple franchises.
Marking his homecoming season with the Clippers, Paul has the perfect window to finish his career with a championship. Teaming up with Kawhi Leonard, James Harden and Bradley Beal, CP will ideally play the reserve guard, at least until Lue determines his best rotations.
Lue on high expectations and Clippers being the oldest team
The All-Star additions of Beal and CP make the Clippers a star-studded roster. As a result, the expectations have gone up a few notches. When asked about the pressure, T-Lue viewed it as a positive indication, considering they have entered championship contention.
“If you don’t have expectations, you don’t have a chance to win. And so, you should never shy away from that. As a coach, you should be running to that. You know, having a chance to compete for a championship, that’s all you can ask for,” stated Lue.
Adding a 40-year-old Paul to the roster undoubtedly increases the average age of the roster. The Clippers are currently the oldest team in the league, given that both Harden and Leonard are well into their 30s. Nevertheless, it is the veteran experience that comes into play during the tense situation in the playoffs. Hence, considering CP’s 20 NBA seasons, his skills and experience will undoubtedly be of great use to the team.