Chris Paul has been in the NBA long enough to know how important it is to last an entire season. In the past years, the 10-time NBA All-Star has failed to do that, suffering one injury after another. But somehow, he has managed to resolve that issue. In fact, he has played the entire 2019-20 NBA season as of this writing and is going strong.
One reason for that is that the 34-year-old is taking care of his body better, not to mention playing wiser. Paul has turned to vegan diet, and it appears such is one of his secrets this season. Other than that, the 6-foot-1 guard has adjusted well with the Oklahoma City Thunder. He is not pushing himself over the top, a reason why he has so far played 56 games this season. Paul is averaging close to 32 minutes per game and producing numbers that are fairly well compared to his career highs (17.5 points, 5.1 rebounds and 6.7 assists) per Basketball-Reference.com.
It comes at a time when most felt that Paul's NBA career was bound to decline. Some felt it was one of the reasons why the Houston Rockets traded him away - aside from a reported spat with James Harden last season. Most know how Paul suffered injuries at some point in the past two NBA seasons, leaving the Rockets to adjust. Surprisingly, that has not happened with the Thunder.
It would be safe to say that Paul is refreshed and his outlook is looking good, NBC Sports reported. In fact, the 4th overall pick of the 2005 NBA Draft feels he can reach the 20-NBA season plateau. For as long as he stays the course and does not abuse his health, that is pretty much attainable.
For now, Paul will have to live with the fact that he is secured to play until he is 36. He is just in the second year of his four-year deal worth $159 million, meaning moving on from there would depend once this pact runs out. Paul is likely to still be around, but the tenure of his next deal is likely to be short-term. He could still be paid handsomely, but this could be limited to a one or two year lease. He is on his 14th season, and playing six more is pretty much doable.
All Paul needs to do is take care of his body and be careful on the basketball court. He does not need to score heavy or bang bodies like other NBA stars. Paul needs to lead and orchestrate, pretty much the only essential thing that the Thunder or any future team would ask from him.
