NBA Rumors: Reinvigorated Chris Paul Plans To Reach 20-Season Mark

KEY POINTS

Paul believes he can play up to 20 NBA seasons
Paul staying healthy with vegan diet
CP3 has found a way to stay away from injuries

At 34 years old, there is no denying that Chris Paul is no spring chicken. Most felt that the 10-time All-Star would be heading towards the twilight of his career, especially with his past NBA seasons riddled with injury. But to the surprise of many, Paul has managed to stay healthy and is a vital cog for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

For the 2019-20 NBA season, Paul has already played 56 games, just two short the number of matches he was able to suit up the past two seasons with the Houston Rockets. At any rate, he is likely to surpass that and equalize the 82 games he was able to play during the 2014-15 NBA season. He is averaging 17.5 points, 5.1 rebounds and 6.7 assists roughly near his career averages. He is playing close to 32 minutes per contest according to Basketball-Reference.com.

Paul's performance this NBA season has been mind-boggling. The 6-foot-1 guard has been slowed down by various injuries, a reason why some teams are wary of taking him in. Of course, there is also his contract to be worried about. Paul is in the second year of his four-year deal worth $159 million.

At any rate, Paul will be 36 by the time his current deal ends. Locking up a new long-term deal would be wishful thinking but the 2006 NBA Rookie of the Year could care less. For as long as there is a team willing to take him in, he plans to suit up - maybe until he is 40.

In a report from NBC Sports, a vegan diet has done well for Paul. The 4th overall pick of the 2005 NBA Draft is so reinvigorated that he feels he can play at least 20 seasons. As of this writing, he is already at 14. Thus once his contract runs out, that wish could be granted if he gets a two-year deal or a pair of one-year contracts.

Playing 20 seasons is daunting although some managed to do so. That list includes Vince Carter (22), Dirk Nowitzki (21), Kevin Garnett (21), Kevin Willis (21), Robert Parish (21) and Kobe Bryant (20). Paul is on course to do that for as long as he can keep himself healthy and play wiser basketball. For as long as he is effective, playing more years sure seems possible for the veteran point guard.