Chris Paul Returns to the Clippers with Number 3
Chris Paul is not only returning to the Los Angeles Clippers, but he will also do so with his iconic number 3. Lawrence Frank, president of basketball operations for the franchise, confirmed that the former “Lob City” era point guard will continue to wear the only number he has used in his 20-year career. Bradley Beal, who has also worn the number 3 during his NBA career with the Washington Wizards and Phoenix Suns, offered to give up the number to Paul and will decide on his jersey number later.Paul returns to the franchise with which he played six seasons, from 2011 to 2017. He remains the team’s all-time leader in assists and steals per game. However, his role will be different in his second stint with the Clippers. After starting in 1,314 of his 1,354 career games and starting all 82 games last season with the San Antonio Spurs, Paul’s primary role will be coming off the bench.“He used the number 3 throughout his entire NBA career,” Frank said about Beal. “Three All-Star appearances. I think he scored over 17,000 points wearing number 3. But he also knows what that number means to Chris and there’s a reason why he’s ‘CP3.’ And just the significance of Chris coming back to the Clippers. Brad offered to give Chris his number.”
Lawrence Frank, president of basketball operations
Frank added that the Clippers consulted with James Harden and Kawhi Leonard about adding Paul. The arrival of Paul completes an active offseason for the Clippers. Los Angeles agreed to a new two-year contract with Harden. The Clippers signed Beal after the guard was released from his contract by the Suns. They added power forward John Collins in a trade that sent Norman Powell to Miami. And they added Brook Lopez in free agency. “They [Harden and Paul] talked,” Frank said about the possibility of Harden and Paul reuniting. “And in talking to James, in talking to Kawhi, they both said CP would be the best man for this role. And I think James is focused on winning. And obviously Chris and he played together in Houston, and they were one game away from reaching the NBA Finals.” Frank continued: “What James talked about Chris was his ability to see the court like few others, the leadership skills he brings, the competitiveness and his work ethic and daily focus. He thought Chris would fit in very well on the team.”“There will be nights when Chris plays a lot, there will be nights when he doesn’t,” Frank said. “Chris is excited to be here, to be part of the group, to help lead the group, and to play when he’s needed.”
Lawrence Frank, president of basketball operations
