Chris Paul and Blake Griffin were pivotal in reviving the Los Angeles Clippers, transforming them into a force to be reckoned with in the NBA. Yet, as Paul's career with the Clippers came to a close, the team's front office decisions left many, including big names like James Harden and Kawhi Leonard, in disbelief.
Former Clippers player Matt Barnes didn't hold back on the ‘All The Smoke Unplugged’ podcast, expressing his frustration over how the team handled the situation. Barnes questioned how the organization could mistreat two of their most iconic players, saying, “The way he went out really bothered me.
You know what you’re getting when you have him. Chris is gonna tell you how it is, not how you want to hear it… You don’t forget stuff like that.”
Barnes' sentiments echo a broader narrative. The Clippers once promised Blake Griffin a future with the team, only to trade him to the Detroit Pistons in 2018, leaving fans and players alike in shock.
Chris Paul, often hailed as the ‘Point God’ for his exceptional skills, helped elevate the Clippers in a city dominated by the Lakers' legacy. Before his arrival, the Clippers had seen just one playoff appearance in the 2000s, making their rise under Paul all the more significant.
As the dust settles on Paul’s unexpected retirement, Lou Williams offered some insight into the internal dynamics. Williams noted that Paul's leadership style, which involved holding everyone from players to the front office accountable, might have ruffled some feathers.
According to Williams, Paul even addressed the team, explaining that his critiques were driven by a desire to see the team succeed. “There was a few scenarios in which CP was holding people accountable… he was critical of the front office… that was the straw that broke the camel's back,” Williams explained.
The Clippers' decision has not gone unnoticed by fans, who continue to voice their discontent. As Paul steps away from the game, the true reasons behind his departure remain a topic of discussion, leaving many to wonder about the internal workings of a team that once seemed poised for greatness.