Chris Paul called his decision to return to the Los Angeles Clippers a “no-brainer” during his introductory press conference, emphasizing family, gratitude, and championship aspirations.
The 40-year-old veteran point guard addressed media at the Intuit Dome, expressing appreciation for the opportunity to rejoin the franchise he led from 2011 to 2017. Paul dismissed speculation that he would only join a team as a starter, saying, “When you’re in this lifestyle for a while, people try to tell your story for you.” He noted that playing close to home and being around his family played a major role in his return.
Paul credited the San Antonio Spurs for helping make this opportunity possible. “Without this past year in San Antonio, I don’t have this opportunity to come back here and play this year,” he said, thanking Gregg Popovich and the Spurs organization for last season.
Walking through the new arena left Paul momentarily speechless. “This is one of those things I kind of manifested for a long time,” he said, adding that seeing his name in the locker room and on the Halo board felt surreal.
Asked about the possibility of his No. 3 jersey one day being retired by the Clippers, Paul acknowledged the significance. “It would mean everything,” he said, recalling the fans’ support and his history with former teammates like Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan.
Paul also shared details of his longstanding relationship with team owner Steve Ballmer. He recalled visiting the arena last summer out of curiosity and appreciated how Ballmer always put family first. “I asked how many games he was going to come to. He said if his kid had a game, he wasn’t coming to ours. I appreciated that.”
Looking ahead to the upcoming season, Paul expressed excitement about the team’s off-season moves, including the additions of Bradley Beal and Brook Lopez. “I just wanted to be home, be here with the Clippers,” he said. “I talked to James, I talked to Kawhi. I’m excited about what I think we have a chance to do.”
He also praised head coach Tyronn Lue, formerly an assistant during Paul’s first stint with the team. “Teams have to prepare for him,” Paul noted, emphasizing Lue’s strategic acumen.
While Paul acknowledged that adjusting to a reserve role would be new, he said he is committed to contributing however he can. “If I can show some of the guys what it looks like every day to clock in and clock out, I’m excited for it.”
The veteran floor general said his family is still adjusting to having him around more often. “They probably tired of me already,” he joked. “But it’s just been really cool to be around them and not feel the countdown starting for me to leave again.”
Paul closed by reflecting on the Clippers fan base. “They are really fans of the game,” he said, recalling fond memories of section 114 and the support he felt even when playing in opposing jerseys. “I can’t imagine what it’s going to be like to play here again.”
