While there is always plenty of excitement surrounding the NBA Draft, the harsh reality of the next class of players entering the league is that they could ultimately take the jobs of veterans. That is what has happened to one former Houston Rockets star on Wednesday night.
With the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, the San Antonio Spurs officially ended the Chris Paul era with the selection of former Rutgers University star Dylan Harper. Paul was already going to be a free agent this summer. The likelihood of him running it back in San Antonio changed dramatically the night San Antonio struck gold in the lottery and jumped up to the No. 2 overall pick.
Former Rocket Chris Paul Just Lost His Job After Round 1 of NBA Draft
With Harper now part of the Spurs' roster, joining De'Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle, that trio represents the backcourt of the future in San Antonio. While it was never enjoyable for Rockets fans to see Paul suit up for their in-state rival, this is a tough way for his time with the franchise to come to an end, as his performance during the 2024-25 campaign proved he still has plenty in the tank.
The future Hall of Famer played in all 82 games this past season and averaged 8.8 points, 7.4 assists, and 3.6 rebounds in 28 minutes per game. Being that durable and effective at that age is something rare and should be enough to entice a contender to bring Paul into the fold this offseason.
A reunion in Houston is unlikely after Fred VanVleet's new deal with the Rockets. However, there are plenty of teams throughout the league who could use the type of stabilizing presence on the floor that Paul brought to Houston and every other stop he's made during his illustrious career.