Rockets must consider a controversial reunion with suddenly available veteran guard

It's difficult to say if the Houston Rockets need help in the backcourt. If they do, they don't need much. Therefore, they should consider a reunion with Chris Paul.

The legendary point guard was recently released by the Clippers. Read that again. In Paul's last season, the team he's most synonymous with unceremoniously released him.

It's not going to do the Clippers' player relations any favors. That's not a SpaceCityScoop return. Paul is now on the market:

Should the Rockets look at him?

Former Rockets legend is struggling this year

If you're going on Paul's stats this year, the answer is likely no.

Calling this the worst season of his career would be a dramatic understatement. Paul is averaging 2.9 points and 3.3 assists per game. His -4.9 Box Plus/Minus (BPM) leaves something to be desired.

This is no surprise. Paul has 20 years of NBA service under his belt. Some decline was inevitable. Still, this is a far cry from his output in 2024-25. Last year, Paul averaged 8.8 points and 7.4 assists per game with the Spurs.

Yes, decline can happen expeditiously in an NBA career. Paul won't sniff that kind of production again no matter where he ends up. Still, it's reasonable to wonder if the Clippers have been a poor offensive environment for him this year.

Could he look better in Rockets red?

The Rockets could use a veteran guard

Frankly, it's unlikely that Paul is better than Aaron Holiday right now. He's shooting 40.7% from three-point range and providing solid point of attack defense. Those variables alone will outweigh whatever extra playmaking Paul brings to the table.

In the same breath, Holiday is not so strong that a team wouldn't benefit from having a decent third-string option behind him. If the Rockets sign Paul, let's be clear - he'll be their third-string point guard.

From that perspective, his value suddenly becomes apparent. Could the Rockets ask for a better player-coach? This is a team that still relies heavily on young players. Down the stretch in a close game, Paul's basketball mind could prove beneficial without him even getting on the floor.

Could Reed Sheppard ask for a better mentor? How about Amen Thompson? If we accept the idea that the Rockets don't need another high-usage guard, carving out a roster spot for Paul suddenly feels sensible.

It would also be a feel-good story. Paul's original departure from the Rockets was acrimonious. Trading him the first time was a mistake. The Rockets could right some wrongs and add one of the smartest players in NBA history to their bench in the process:

That's a no-brainer.