One group of Atlanta Hawks fans couldn’t resist Wednesday night.
Just hours earlier, a group of fans sitting near the Los Angeles Clippers bench at State Farm Arena began questioning the team’s unexpected decision to part with veteran Chris Paul.
Late Tuesday night, the Clippers seemingly abruptly sent Paul home from their road trip and announced they were parting ways with the veteran guard. Paul, a future Hall of Famer and undoubtedly one of the best point guards the league has ever produced, has announced that he, too, will retire at the end of this season. The 40-year-old, now entering his 21st season in the NBA, signed a one-year, $3.6 million contract with the Clippers last offseason.
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According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Paul is apparently at odds with the team and coach Tyronn Lue. Paul’s leadership style apparently “conflicts” with the team, and he hasn’t spoken to Lue in “several weeks.” Paul reportedly asked to meet with Lue to discuss his negative image with the team, but Lue refused.
“I don’t like it,” Lue said of Paul’s situation before the game. “It didn’t turn out the way we thought it would. I don’t like CP, but it wasn’t a good fit. He understands that. The organization, they made a choice. We’ll move forward and we’ll have to see what we can do.”
Paul has come off the bench this season, averaging 2.9 points and 3.3 assists per game. He had eight points and three assists in 15 minutes in South Florida’s loss to the Miami Heat on Monday.
“I don’t think it’s necessarily going to help our team. I don’t think the reason why we’re 5-16 is because of CP’s performance,” Lue said of Paul before the game. “I just don’t think it’s a good fit for what he’s looking for. That’s what it is.”
“Do I want to see CP go out like this? No. I have a lot of respect for him and he’s been a friend of mine for years. You never want to see a great guy go out like this, but I’m pretty sure he’s going to find something. He’s a great player.”
It’s worth noting that the Clippers got their first big win without Paul. The team won 115-92, snapping a five-game losing streak and moving to 6-16 on the season — though that’s still one of the worst records in the Western Conference.
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James Harden scored 27 points and 9 assists, and Kawhi Leander also had 21 points and 6 rebounds. Nickeil Alexander-Walker scored 21 points and Dyson Daniels scored 15 points for the Eagles. The Eagles have lost two games in a row and have a record of 13 wins and 10 losses.
The Clippers will continue their road trip Friday night in Memphis.
