Chris Paul returns to the Staples Center on Sunday for the first time since leaving the Clippers and he finds both himself and his former team on opposite ends.

* Sunday on NBA TV: Rockets vs. Lakers (9:30 ET)

While the Clippers are dealing with injuries and also the merging of new players, Paul feels at home with the Rockets. His transition is going far smoother than say, Paul George’s and Carmelo Anthony’s in Oklahoma City.

That comes as somewhat a surprise, because Paul joined James Harden, another player who works best with the ball in his hands. And yes, Paul has missed almost a month of the season, which means this test still hasn’t stood the test of time. That said, Paul seems happy and content and relieved that there hasn’t been any chemistry speed bumps yet.

He’s a believer in the system created by coach Mike D’Antoni and the Rockets once again rank as one of the league’s most dangerous offensive teams. Rather than complicate the system, Paul has fit right in.

Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle spoke with Paul recently and wrote this:

Like shooters that take a place in Mike D’Antoni’s offense and in the glow of the green light, see wide-open shots, Paul saw shooters and the passes he could deliver to them.

“I never played with three guys around the 3-point line, just spacing the court,” Paul said. “I know I can shoot it. I know I can score and stuff like that. I don’t have to. I’ve just always been a guy that takes what the defense gives me. If you’re off me, I’m a shooter. If there’s two guys on me, I’m going to find the open guy.

“I’m going to find you. I always say, ‘there ain’t but so many things you can do on a court.’ I’m going to find you.”

For six games, he had alternately run the Rockets offense and played off James Harden, and had embraced the combination of changes and the chances to do what he always has.