ESPN will premiere the first episode of “Chris Paul’s Chapter 3,” a docuseries from ESPN Films that chronicles NBA superstar Chris Paul’s offseason journey of joining the Houston Rockets, on Thursday, Oct. 19, at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN. The three-part series follows Paul in the NBA offseason as he contemplates his decision to leave the Clippers and relocates his family to Houston, right before Hurricane Harvey hits the city. “Chris Paul’s Chapter 3” is produced by Big Fish Entertainment.
Following the first episode’s debut on October 19, all three episodes in the series will be available on the ESPN App and on-demand. Then, on Tuesday Oct. 24, all three episodes will air from 8-9:30 p.m. ET on ESPN. An advance clip is up on ESPN.com now, in which Chris Paul tells Jay-Z he’s concerned about uprooting his family for the third time.
The first installment of the docuseries begins as the L.A. Clippers are eliminated from the 2017 NBA Playoffs and Paul contemplates his first chance to become a free agent. Cameras follow Paul as he considers the role he wants to play in offense, the importance of team chemistry, and which roster gives him the best shot to defeat the mighty Golden State Warriors. But non-basketball factors weigh even more heavily on Paul’s mind: Los Angeles has been his family’s home six years and relocation would mean pulling his children out of school and away from their friends. In the process, he meets with mentor Bob Iger, CEO of the Walt Disney Company, and friend Jay-Z to gain insight into how to evaluate this difficult decision.
“Chris Paul’s Chapter 3” episode two trails Paul, who is now a member of the Rockets, as he and his family relocate to Houston. Though they are welcomed with a special CP3 day, Hurricane Harvey bears down on Houston shortly thereafter, causing devastation in the community. Paul pitches in on the relief efforts, alongside his friend, comedian Kevin Hart, and at a star-studded telethon. All the while, he begins working out with his new Rockets teammates.
The final episode shows Chris Paul in New York City, taking care of offseason business like signing memorabilia but also playing in an all-star pick-up game alongside new teammate James Harden, Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony. Paul and Harden work to develop the on court chemistry they will need for the Rockets to succeed in the season ahead.