Chris Paul was extremely complimentary of the Houston Rockets as his former organization when asked about his offseason departure at the Oklahoma City Thunder’s Media Day on Monday.
When a reporter inquired about how the 34-year-old guard felt about his departure from Houston, with a reference to reports of how Paul and James Harden “clashed” on the court, Paul responded:
It’s tough. I enjoyed my two years there. It was amazing. I had some unbelievable opportunities. Made some great relationships. But it’s business. Things happen. I wish them nothing but the best.
In two seasons in Houston from 2017 through 2019, Paul averaged 17.1 points, 8.0 assists, and 5.0 rebounds in 31.9 minutes per game.
The Rockets went a franchise-best 65-17 in Paul’s first season, with a heartbreaking seven-game series loss in the Western Conference Finals to eventual champion Golden State. Houston led the series 3-2, but the future Hall of Famer was sidelined after Game 5 due to a hamstring injury, and the Warriors rallied to take the series.
Paul was traded to the Thunder earlier this offseason in the move that brought 30-year-old guard Russell Westbrook to Houston.
Assuming health, Paul will make his return to Houston with the Thunder on Monday, Oct. 28 in the third game of the Rockets’ 2019-20 schedule. Expect the Rockets to have a lengthy tribute video ready, along with an extended ovation from fans at Toyota Center.
