Chris Paul's next career choice could lead to some hilarious NBA content

On May 6, Chris Paul will turn 40 years old after playing his 20th season in the NBA. He's played for so long that he's seen the league evolve in front of his eyes several times. The league was dominated by bigs before shifting to a pick-and-roll heavy league; pace and space took over, and now we're in the midst of positionless basketball with emphasis on the three-point shot.

Paul has lasted through it all, and at the conclusion of this season, he'll have a big decision to make. Should he keep playing the game he loves or retire and begin the next chapter in his life? Only CP3 can make that decision, but he's smart and respected enough to have plenty of options after he hangs up his sneakers.

Paul could thrive as a head coach

Two years ago, the Point God was asked whether he'd like to be a head coach when he retires, to which he quickly answered no. However, it seems his mind has changed. Months ago, he told Spurs reporter Tom Orsborn that he'd consider it, and Lakers leader JJ Redick revealed Paul recently asked him some questions about being a head coach in the NBA.

Chris is one of the smartest players the NBA has had to run point guard for one of their franchises. That intelligence isn't always well received because it manifests in things like snitching to the referees about an opponent's untucked jersey. It feels trivial, but he's gotten extra possessions and free throws for his team based on these tactics.

At the end of the day, you're trying to win the game, and his understanding of the rules helped that mission. He will be respected for the acumen he displayed for 20 years in the league, playing at a high level and making the playoffs almost every single year of his career. But it may not all be sunshine and rainbows.

CP3 has rubbed plenty of players the wrong way

Spurs fans will remember Chris Paul's altercation (if you could call it that) with Kevin Durant, pictured above. There aren't many people who could get KD to act out of character like that, but Paul seems to be uniquely suited for the task. He's had several incidents this season with players berating him or needing to be held back.

Nobody is surprised by this, though. Paul has a career of playing right up to the line of integrity and, depending on who you ask, has crossed that line habitually. That reputation and his strong personality could set him up for some complicated interactions if he's suddenly given the role of head coach.

Whether he ends up leading someone he once had a problem with or former rival has something to say to him as he leads from the sideline, the potential for a clash is there. It's the NBA, and drama is what they do. Stephen A. Smith and LeBron James are proof of that.