The 40-year-old guard says he is grateful for the combination of more time with his family while playing for a veteran-laden team with legitimate championship aspirations.

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.

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.