Should the Rockets Reunite With Chris Paul? A Smart Fit or Sentimental Play?
Chris Paul is back on the market. Yes, that Chris Paul - the Point God, the floor general, the future Hall of Famer. After being waived by the Clippers in what could only be described as an unceremonious exit, Paul finds himself without a team for the first time in his 20-year NBA career.
And with that, the question naturally surfaces: should the Houston Rockets consider bringing him back for one last run?
Chris Paul’s Current Form: A Steep Decline
Let’s be clear about one thing - this isn’t the same Chris Paul who helped lead the Rockets to the brink of the NBA Finals back in 2018. This year, he's struggled.
Badly. Paul is averaging just 2.9 points and 3.3 assists per game, and his -4.9 Box Plus/Minus (BPM) paints a pretty grim picture of his on-court impact.
That drop-off isn’t shocking. At 20 seasons deep, Father Time is undefeated, and Paul’s decline has been sharper than most. Just last season with the Spurs, he was still contributing at a respectable clip - 8.8 points and 7.4 assists per game - but those days appear to be behind him.
Still, context matters. The Clippers haven’t exactly been an offensive haven this season, and it’s fair to wonder whether Paul’s struggles are partly a product of a system that didn’t maximize what he still has left in the tank.
A Fit in Houston? Maybe Not on the Court, But…
On the surface, the Rockets don’t need Chris Paul. Not in the traditional sense.
Aaron Holiday is shooting 40.7% from deep and playing solid defense at the point of attack. Right now, he’s simply a better on-court option than Paul.
But this isn’t just about who’s better in the box score.
Houston’s backcourt is young and full of promise - Reed Sheppard, Amen Thompson, and Jalen Green are all still developing. That’s where Paul’s value becomes intriguing.
Not as a rotation piece, but as a mentor. A third-string point guard who brings more value in the film room and on the practice court than he does in live action.
Think of Paul less as a backup and more as a player-coach hybrid. Someone who can break down late-game situations, teach the nuances of pick-and-roll reads, and help young guards navigate the mental side of the NBA grind. That kind of leadership doesn’t show up in the box score, but it can shape a locker room.
A Chance to Make Things Right
Let’s not forget: Paul’s first stint in Houston ended with a trade that, in hindsight, didn’t exactly age well. His departure felt rushed, and the breakup was anything but smooth. A reunion now wouldn’t just make basketball sense - it would bring a touch of closure to a chapter that ended too soon.
It’s not about chasing nostalgia or expecting Paul to turn back the clock. It’s about recognizing what he can still offer - wisdom, leadership, and a voice that commands respect.
So, should the Rockets bring Chris Paul back?
If they’re looking for a high-usage creator to push them over the top, the answer is no.
But if they’re looking for a basketball savant who can help mold the next generation - someone who knows exactly what it takes to win at the highest level - then the answer might just be yes.
And if it also happens to be a feel-good story? That’s just a bonus.