5 biggest questions for Chris Paul and the Rockets

4. Will Ryan Anderson relinquish his jersey number?

We all know what the answer to this question should be, right? Ryan Anderson is not nor has he ever been the player Chris Paul is. But Anderson is a nine-year vet who’s had a pretty good career thus far. The Rockets signed him to a four-year, $80 million deal last summer. He averaged 13.6 points while shooting 40 percent on 3s during his first season with Houston in 2016-17. Oddly enough, Anderson also donned a No. 3 jersey for the first time in his career after wearing No. 33 for the previous seven seasons. Paul has worn No. 3 since high school. We only know him as “CP3.” So how will this play out?

Anderson could simply defer to Paul’s greatness and give up the number. But that wouldn’t be any fun. Paul could pay Anderson for the number as we’ve seen in sports before. Except Anderson’s salary already rivals that of his new point guard. They could settle it like real competitors with a round of bowling or miniature golf. Harden can live stream it through his Twitter account and provide color commentary. While it’s unlikely to happen, it would command nine-figure views.

Regardless, Anderson has to relinquish the number to Paul. There is no way we will have to start referring to Paul as “CP2” or “CP4.” Surely, the Rockets don’t want to start this next chapter that way. Besides, Anderson could be on his way out of town if Houston can find a team willing to pay the remaining $60 million he’s owed over the next three years.