Paul frequently glanced down at his family sitting in the first row — wife Jada, 16-year-old son Chris Jr. and 12-year-old daughter Camryn. They continued living in Los Angeles when he left the Clippers six years ago. That led to watching their father on TV and sharing quick phone conversations before school.

When it was announced that Chris Paul was returning to the Los Angeles Clippers for his 21st NBA season, the narrative quickly shifted to what was expected to be his final season and that the upcoming season is essentially a farewell tour.

Chris Paul will be playing for the Los Angeles Clippers next season as the two sides reunite after eight years apart for what will be his 21st NBA season. All the nostalgia that comes with Paul returning to the Clippers is warranted, but this is an entirely different situation he's walking into with this Clippers team.