One of the best players in Los Angeles Clippers history is not thrilled with the way the team has treated his former teammate, Chris Paul.
Three days after the Clippers unceremoniously released the future Hall of Famer during a road trip, former All-Star Blake Griffin had some thoughts on divorce on Prime Vide’s NBA pregame show. Put him squarely on Paul’s side.
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Griffin praised Paul’s leadership during their time together in Los Angeles while criticizing the Clippers’ lack of communication and consideration as Paul navigated his final season in the NBA.
Griffin commented:
“To be honest, I’m just disappointed. I can’t really think of any other words. Obviously shocked at first, but then disappointed. I’m disappointed in Chris Paul, but I’m disappointed in the Clippers.
“Chris Paul is the guy who came to the Clippers during the DeAndre era [Jordan] I am a first and second grade student. He brings a winning culture. He taught us how to operate in the NBA, how to take every game seriously, how to take your body seriously, and no detail is too small… Chris Paul, for 20 years, has been the same player. He is always looking for victory.
“Re-signing with the Clippers, this was supposed to be his moment, him coming back to Los Angeles. ‘I’m making a last ditch effort.’ For him to not be able to finish his career on his own terms by leaving — with the team he chose to go to — is very disappointing.
“But I think the biggest reason I’m disappointed is what Chris said. There was no communication with Ty Lue. And, more importantly, there was no communication – I talked to The Christian Post on Wednesday, I talked to him yesterday, I talked to him today – there was no communication to Steve Ballmer. That’s a disappointing thing to me.
Since Paul’s release, there have been reports that the 40-year-old has clashed with members of the Clippers leadership, and he reportedly hasn’t spoken to head coach Tyronn Lue in weeks. Chris Haynes of Prime Video reported on Friday that Clippers management received intelligence that Paul was privately critical of players, coaches and executives in the organization, which led to a meeting between Paul and president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank.
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Paul reportedly denied the accusations but later apologized to his teammates “if his comments or actions were misconstrued.” He also reportedly requested a meeting with Lue, but the coach refused.
Blake Griffin and Chris Paul have a history that goes way back. (Photo by Jayne Cumming-Oncea/Getty Images)
(Jayne Cumming-Onsia via Getty Images)
While all this was happening, the Clippers were off to a terrible start, sitting at 5-16 when Paul was released. Paul averaged a career-low 2.9 points per game while coming off the bench entirely.
Paul reportedly made the following comments to Haynes:
“I’m just getting ready. I’m playing basketball right now. I’m not [know] What happens next. I’m still scarred by it all. Still processing everything. But I’m ready. “
It’s unclear where Paul will hit free agency, but has made it clear he doesn’t want to retire before the end of the season. Even if he isn’t as productive as he once was, there’s still a decent market for a player with his experience and leadership, especially considering he still has plenty of connections around the league.
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As for the Clippers, they were derided more than usual but also snapped a five-game losing streak with a lopsided victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Friday.