After playing all 82 games with the San Antonio Spurs last season, Paul—a 12-time All-Star—became a free agent, making him the first NBA player to do so in his 20th season or later. He shot 43% from the field and averaged 8.8 points and 7.4 assists.
Paul had expressed his desire to play near his Los Angeles-based family throughout the upcoming season.
He joins a team full of veterans, including James Harden, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Kawhi Leonard, and newcomers guard Bradley Beal, forward John Collins, and center Brook Lopez.
Chris’ outstanding shooting, playmaking, and ballhandling skills will strengthen our backcourt,” Frank stated on Monday.
Alongside Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan, Paul spent six seasons with the Clippers during their Lob City heyday. From 2012 to 2017, he was selected to five All-Star teams, and his 4,023 assists remain the most in the history of the team. Over 409 games, he averaged 18.8 points, 9.8 assists, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.2 steals.
In 2017, Paul decided he needed a change and wanted to play for a championship with Harden, so he departed the Clippers for the Houston Rockets. Paul moved to Oklahoma City for a season after spending two seasons in Houston. After that, he played for Phoenix for three years and Golden State for one before joining the Spurs, who ended 34-48 and 13th in the Western Conference, last season.
The Clippers fell to Denver in seven games in the first round and ended fifth at 50-32.
“The team was seriously considering signing Paul to join a crowded guard rotation of Harden, Beal, Bogdanovic, and Kris Dunn,” Frank had stated on Saturday.
Paul will take his place on the bench.
Frank stated, “He is thrilled to take on any role (coach) Tyronn Lue asks him to play. He is joining us as a reserve point guard.” “We’re lucky to have him back because he wants to be a part of the group.
Harden, who played almost 2,800 minutes in his 16th NBA season at the age of 35, is someone the Clippers want to keep around. In addition to the playoffs, they see Paul as insurance against injuries that usually affect a club during an 82-game season.
According to Frank, role knowledge will be crucial, particularly in this upcoming roster position.
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