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Ohm Youngmisuk
Chris Paul is just not solely returning to the LA Clippers however he might be again in his outdated acquainted No. 3 jersey.
Lawrence Frank, president of basketball operations, mentioned that the franchise’s former quarterback of the Lob Metropolis period will proceed to put on the one jersey quantity he has ever worn in his 20 years. Bradley Beal, who additionally has solely worn No. 3 in his NBA profession with the Washington Wizards and Phoenix Suns, provided to provide the quantity as much as Paul and can determine on his jersey quantity later.
“He is worn No. 3 his complete NBA profession,” Frank mentioned of Beal on Tuesday. “Three All-Star appearances. I feel he scored over 17,000 factors in jersey No. 3. However he additionally is aware of what that jersey means to Chris and there is a motive why he is ‘CP3.’ And simply the importance of Chris coming again to the Clippers. Brad volunteered giving Chris his quantity.
“As soon as Brad heard that it was a chance that Chris was coming, he mentioned, ‘I need to give him my quantity.’ And I do not even suppose Chris is aware of this but. So it is superior that Brad made such an incredible gesture like that.”
Paul is returning to the franchise that he spent six seasons with from 2011-2017. He stays the workforce’s all-time chief in assists and steals per sport. However his function might be completely different in his second stint with the Clippers.
After beginning 1,314 of his 1,354 profession video games and beginning all 82 video games final season for the San Antonio Spurs, Paul’s major function might be coming off the bench.
“There will be nights, Chris performs so much, there will be nights he doesn’t,” Frank mentioned. “Chris is happy to be right here, to be a part of the group, to assist lead the group and to play when referred to as on.
“… Chris began 82 video games final yr and was a really, very productive participant. So we do not take that flippantly while you’re taking up a distinct function. And so there have been a whole lot of conversations, you set every part on the desk and get everybody comfy with it. However the truth that Chris needed to return again, needed to be at house, needed to be with the Clippers, we clearly know what his skillset is, but in addition needed to verify the function made good sense from each folks’s perspective.”
Frank mentioned the Clippers consulted with James Harden — who teamed up with Paul in Houston for 2 seasons in 2017-18 and 2018-19 — and Kawhi Leonard on including Paul.
The Paul signing completes an lively offseason for the Clippers. L.A. labored out a brand new two-year cope with Harden. The Clippers signed Beal after the guard was purchased out of his contract by the Suns. They added energy ahead John Collins in a commerce that despatched Norman Powell to Miami. They usually added Brook Lopez in free company.
“They did [talk],” Frank mentioned of Harden and Paul discussing reuniting once more. “And when speaking to James, speaking to Kawhi, each guys mentioned CP can be the most effective man for this function. And I feel James is all about profitable. And clearly Chris and him performed collectively in Houston, received inside a sport of going to the NBA Finals.
“What James talked about with Chris was his capacity to see the ground like few others, the management expertise he brings, the competitiveness and his on a regular basis work ethic and method. He thought that Chris can be an incredible match for the workforce.”