The Los Angeles Clippers have had an interesting offseason. They have added veterans such as Bradley Beal and Chris Paul to join Kawhi Leonard and James Harden. The roster features a number of players who are arguably either past their primes or at the end of the best years of their NBA careers. As a result, some have doubted if this Clippers squad is capable of winning now -- which is clearly the team's intention given their veteran additions. Paul, however, could prove to make the biggest difference during the upcoming campaign.
CP3 enjoyed some of his best seasons in LA during his prime. His "Lob City" Clippers never won a championship, but Paul and LA found success. Paul is one of the best point guards of all-time. He isn't the same player he once was at 40 years old, but the future Hall of Famer is still capable of making an impact on the floor.
Paul's greatest asset at this point in his career is his leadership, though. LA has featured star players in recent seasons. Leonard and Harden simply aren't the leaders that Paul is, however. The same can be said for Paul George -- who was traded from LA to the Philadelphia 76ers last year. Paul will give the team necessary structure and guidance.
Additionally, Paul will be especially motivated to win a championship. If he retires following the 2025-26 season without an NBA Finals victory, he will enter the conversation for the title of best player to never win a ring. That is a conversation that CP3 surely does not want to join, however. Fans can expect Paul to utilize his elite leadership to give the Clippers a pivotal edge.
What should fans expect from Chris Paul aside from his leadership?
Paul's leadership is what will make the difference in 2025-26. Aside from his leadership, though, what should fans expect to see from the star point guard at this point in his career.
Sure, he will still connect on some elbow jump-shots, but CP3's scoring is not what it used to be. In 2024-25 with the San Antonio Spurs, Paul averaged a career-low 8.8 points per game. His 7.1 field goal attempts per outing was also a career-low, though. Paul is still capable of impacting the game by finding the bottom of the net, but he isn't taking as many shots.
Paul still finished with strong assist-turnover numbers last year. He ultimately recorded 7.4 assists per game compared to only 1.6 turnovers per contest. CP3's ability to take care of the basketball was important for the young Spurs this past season. It will be just as important for a veteran Clippers team with championship aspirations.
Fans can expect Chris Paul to play the role of a reliable point guard on the floor. He's going to set up the offense, create for others and score occasionally. As mentioned, his leadership will prove to be his greatest contribution.