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.

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.

Paul's return to the Clippers, where he starred for six years alongside Blake Griffin during the Lob City era, will be under far different circumstances. This time around, he'll be operating as a backup point guard, providing depth behind starter James Harden.