NBA Players: 3 Things we learned from Chris Paul's tenure at the Houston Rockets

#2 Fitness plays a vital role for players nearing the end of their prime

Chris Paul suffered a hamstring injury in Game 5 of the West Finals against GSW

Paul was already an aging 32-year-old when the Rockets signed him for the first time and to follow it up with a 4-year, $160 million maximum contract extension in July of 2018 after his injury cost the franchise a title could never be a wise decision.

Chris was sliding past his peak briskly and battled injuries again during the 2018-19 campaign, averaging just 15.6 points per game on 41.9 percent shooting from the field. Considering his shorter frame, his athleticism and quick first step are what used to make him productive in isolation sets - and all of that took a major hit due to his injury history.

The Chris Paul and James Harden backcourt couldn't beat the Warriors in Game 5 or Game 6 despite Durant injuring his calf this past postseason, and that was a clear sign of a closing championship window.

Paul is still a legitimate floor general but is certainly entering the twilight of his career.