Are the Clippers Contenders Now After Reuniting with Chris Paul?
It wasn’t long ago that Chris Paul was saying in an interview that he had up to a year left to play. Speculation began about what Paul's last team would be for his 21st season. We now know that the team will be with the Los Angeles Clippers. The news also broke about a week before Bradley Beal was set to join the Clippers. Paul previously played for the Clippers from 2011 to 2017, during which he achieved some of his most memorable career highlights. He now signs a one-year contract for three and a half million to return and end his career as a Clipper.
Has the 40-year-old proclaimed point god put himself in a position where he can contend once more for a title? The answer is yes. The Clippers now have significant depth, although most of them are approaching middle age, along with Paul. The acquisition of Brook Lopez, Derrick Jones Jr, and John Collins makes this team formidable and a threat if kept healthy. That would be the biggest question going forward as the season progresses. Now the question is whether the Clippers stay healthy? Paul played in all 82 games last season, but it is a different level of energy when something is expected of the team now. Re-signing Kawahi Leonard and James Harden makes this also very exciting and interesting.
Harden and Paul had previously played together on the Rockets, where they achieved an 80% winning percentage during their time together. Both players are very ball-dominant, with Leonard and Beal; it will be interesting to see how head coach Tyronn Lue strategizes his lineup. Some predicted he might have ended up on the Grizzlies backing up Ja Morant. While that would have been a nice fit for the reunion in L.A., it’s not a bad idea or move either.
The 12x NBA All-Star and former All-Star game MVP will now have one final chance to win an NBA Championship. The Clippers have a chance with the roster they have assembled; they are contenders, but only if healthy. Paul averaged about nine points a game and eight assists. If he can continue that pace coming off the bench, it would give the Clippers a great spark. More than anything, this is a final nail in the coffin of one of the greatest point guards to play the game. Every game will be a must-watch as this will be the last season for Chris Paul.
