Chris Paul Reportedly Eyes Starting PG Role amid Clippers, NBA Free Agency Rumors
Could a Chris Paul return be on the horizon for the Los Angeles Clippers?
The Associated Press’ Tim Reynolds reported that Paul’s desire to be a starter is a key reason why he has yet to make a decision in free agency. Meanwhile, the Clippers remain hopeful the veteran point guard will choose to return to the franchise.
The only season Paul came off the bench was during his lone year with the Golden State Warriors, where he appeared in 58 games and started just 18 of them.
Despite James Harden re-signing on a two-year, $81.5 million deal to stay with the Clippers, a starting role could still be in play for Paul. The point guard spot remains flexible, with Kris Dunn—who averaged just 6.4 points per game last season—currently slotted in as the starting wing.
If Paul were to return, Harden could shift to the shooting guard role, allowing Paul to run the offense. The rest of the Clippers’ projected starting lineup would feature Norman Powell and Kawhi Leonard at forward, with Ivica Zubac at starting center and newly signed Brook Lopez coming off the bench—creating a potentially formidable group on both ends of the floor.
Paul was a key figure in the Clippers’ infamous “Lob City” era, playing alongside Blake Griffin, DeAndre Jordan, JJ Redick, Matt Barnes and others. Despite the star-studded roster and sky-high expectations, the team never advanced beyond the Western Conference Semifinals under head coach Doc Rivers.
During his six seasons with the Clippers from 2011 to 2017, Paul averaged 18.8 points, 9.8 assists, 4.2 rebounds and 2.2 steals per game while shooting 51.4 percent from the field.
Last season with the San Antonio Spurs, Paul averaged 8.8 points, 3.6 rebounds and 7.8 assists in just 28 minutes per game.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the 40-year-old veteran “is determined to play closer to his home base in Los Angeles” if he decides to return for another season. A reunion with the Clippers—his longest-tenured team on the West Coast—could offer the ideal landing spot for the future Hall of Famer and one of the league’s last true point guards.
