In a move that sends ripples of nostalgia and a healthy dose of professional skepticism through the NBA landscape, Chris Paul, the venerable “Point God,” is set to embark on his 21st, and likely final, professional season. His destination? The familiar confines of the Los Angeles Clippers. At 40 years old, Paul’s decision marks a poignant full circle, returning to the franchise he once symbolized during the electrifying “Lob City” era. Yet, for a player of his undeniable caliber—a 12-time All-Star and one of the NBA`s 75 greatest players—the shadow of a missing championship ring looms larger than ever.
A Familiar Home, A Fading Hope
The veteran point guard has inked a one-year deal worth $3.6 million, a modest sum for a player of his stature, underscoring that this is less about financial gain and more about the closing act of a storied career. Paul himself had recently hinted at retirement, and this short-term commitment effectively draws the curtains on an illustrious journey. However, the prospect of him finally hoisting the coveted Larry O`Brien Trophy with this iteration of the Clippers appears, as the Italian media succinctly put it, “destined to remain a mirage.”
For Paul, the choice was reportedly a personal one, driven by family considerations in Los Angeles and a desire to solidify his legacy with a franchise that defined a significant portion of his prime. While the Milwaukee Bucks and even his hometown Charlotte Hornets reportedly showed interest, the allure of the big Los Angeles market and its prominent spotlight ultimately prevailed. Despite his age, Paul remains a remarkably capable facilitator. Last season, he played all 82 games for the San Antonio Spurs, showcasing his durability and averaging a respectable 8.8 points and 7.4 assists, proving there`s still plenty of “point god” left in the tank, provided his minutes are managed judiciously.
The Echoes of Lob City
Paul’s history with the Clippers is deeply interwoven with the franchise’s most exciting chapter. From 2011 to 2017, he was the orchestrator of “Lob City,” delivering spectacular alley-oops to high-flying Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan, while also setting up sharpshooters like JJ Redick (now ironically the head coach of the cross-town rival Lakers) and Jamal Crawford. His impact was so profound that he remains the Clippers` all-time assists leader with an astonishing 4,023 dimes. This return, therefore, isn`t just a signing; it`s a reunion, a callback to a time when the Clippers were, if not champions, certainly one of the league’s most entertaining spectacles.
Before his latest return, Paul’s journey spanned multiple teams: six years with the New Orleans Hornets (who drafted him fourth overall in 2005), three seasons with the Phoenix Suns (reaching the Finals in 2022, only to fall to Milwaukee), two tumultuous years with James Harden in Houston, a surprisingly impactful stint with Oklahoma City, and brief periods with Golden State and the San Antonio Spurs.
The Clippers` Curious Collection: An `Amarcord` Album?
While Paul`s decision has a clear logical underpinning, the Clippers` broader team-building strategy continues to perplex. The Italian sports press described their current roster as less of a cohesive unit and more of an “album of old collectible cards,” hinting at a nostalgic but ultimately outdated collection. Indeed, this roster, formidable on paper perhaps five seasons ago, now feels like a curated exhibition of past glories, teetering on the brink of obsolescence.
The projected starting five features a lineup that, while studded with future Hall of Famers, boasts an average age that could make many a sports medicine specialist wince: James Harden (35) and Bradley Beal (32) in the backcourt, Kawhi Leonard (34) at small forward, alongside John Collins and Ivica Zubac. The bench offers further experience, bordering on antiquity, with Nicolas Batum (36), Brook Lopez (37), and, of course, the 40-year-old Paul himself. It’s a roster that, if injuries don`t intervene, might scrape into the first round of the playoffs, but a deep run seems improbable given the wear and tear on its foundational pieces.
The Grand Finale (or Just Another Remake?)
Los Angeles is, of course, the city of Hollywood, where remakes are a common occurrence. Yet, as the original article wryly observed, “remakes of past stories eventually get boring, even if the film`s protagonists are big names.” Chris Paul`s return to the Clippers is a narrative laden with emotion and historical significance. It`s the “Point God” coming home, hoping to add the one missing piece to his legendary resume. But in assembling this constellation of aging stars, the Clippers risk not a grand finale, but merely a well-intentioned, yet ultimately forgettable, sequel in the NBA`s relentless script.
