James Harden needed the Los Angeles Clippers a few years ago. Turns out, they needed the superstar just as much.

Harden is a lock to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer once his playing days are over. During a career that is entering its 16th season, the former Houston Rockets great has earned All-Star honors on 11 occasions. He was the Sixth Man of the Year in 2011-12, and then the league’s MVP six seasons later.

C hris Paul will be playing for the Los Angeles Clippers next season as the two sides reunite after eight years apart for what will be his 21st NBA season. All the nostalgia that comes with Paul returning to the Clippers is warranted, but this is an entirely different situation he's walking into with this Clippers team.