After decades of NBA history, the LA Clippers should have realized that the only 40-year-old player consistently excelling at a high level is LeBron James. Despite this, the Clippers signed Chris Paul—also 40—and assumed they could carefully manage his minutes during the regular season while expecting occasional standout playoff performances.
By game four of the 2025-26 regular season, it was clear their hopes were overly optimistic. Paul's debut in Salt Lake City revealed the challenge, not in his 4 points and 4 assists, but in his shooting efficiency, as he made just 1 of 5 field goal attempts.
"Paul's veteran voice and high IQ will be needed, but consistency will be his biggest challenge over the Clippers' next 78 games."
When the Clippers had their complete roster, coach Tyronn Lue left one DNP (Did Not Play) spot open, which was filled by Bogdan Bogdanovic. However, during games three and four, with Bradley Beal sidelined, the team’s guard lineup was stretched to the limit with a ten-man rotation that included four veteran guards.
Tonight, all eleven Clippers players are active and available. Going forward, decisions not to play certain players will likely be strategic choices by the coach rather than due to injuries.
The Clippers are quickly learning that relying on a 40-year-old Chris Paul for consistency is unrealistic, highlighting the challenges of veteran performance in a demanding NBA season.