San Antonio Spurs: Veterans Among the List of Players Who Played 82 Games This Season 1 Apr 2, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Chris Paul (3) in the first quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

'First Time Seeing It' – Los Angeles Clippers Star’s Reaction Following Jimmy Fallon’s Surprise

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Reign Amurao | Last updated Jul 23, 2025 8:06 AM ET

The Los Angeles Clippers and Chris Paul have reunited. Earlier this week, the Clippers finalized a one-year, $3.6 million deal to bring back Paul. Unlike before, the veteran star won’t be the face of the franchise. However, he’ll still help them as a backup point guard to James Harden. Coming off the bench isn’t new to him, as he served a backup role to Stephen Curry during his stint with the Golden State Warriors during the 2023-24 season.

It is believed by many that Paul is in the twilight years of his career. His joining the Clippers could be a final attempt at contending for a championship. Aside from his reunion with the LA team, CP3 is also reuniting with Harden, his former co-star, Harden.

Paul will also play with former All-Star Bradley Beal, who was bought out by the Phoenix Suns last week. All-Star forward Kawhi Leonard is also part of the roster as one of the main players under head coach Ty Lue.

On Tuesday, Paul appeared on “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.” During the comedian’s opening monologue, the 12-time All-Star walked on stage with a bag of chips. Fallon took the time to surprise him with his Los Angeles Clippers jersey, with his iconic No. 3.

“First time seeing it,” Paul said.

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— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) July 23, 2025

In his first stint with the Los Angeles Clippers, Paul was the best player on the team. With his scoring, passing and basketball IQ, he formed a dynamic duo with former NBA star Blake Griffin. He also helped DeAndre Jordan become an All-Star in 2017.

Although he won’t have the same role on the team in his second stint, he can still make an impact given his intelligence on and off the court.

Beal was willing to give up the No. 3 for Chris Paul’s return to the Los Angeles Clippers

NBA Trade Rumors: Chris Paul For De'Aaron Fox Explored 47 Dec 5, 2024; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Chris Paul (3) shoots a free throw for a technical foul during the second half against the Chicago Bulls at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

It was reported that Beal was willing to give it up to him before his jersey number was made public. Since Paul’s career started in 2005, he has chosen the No. 3. The president of basketball operations, Lawrence Frank, revealed that the three-time All-Star had a humbling gesture by giving the veteran player the jersey number, despite him wearing the same number.

“Once Brad heard it’s a possibility Chris was coming he said, ‘I want to give him my number,’ and I don’t even think Chris knows this yet,” Frank confirmed. “It’s awesome that Brad made such a great gesture like that.”

Even with the San Antonio Spurs, forward Keldon Johnson gave up the jersey number and wore No. 0.

As for Beal, he hasn’t figured out his jersey number yet, Frank said.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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