Chris Paul Sent Home by Clippers, Spurs Teammates Reflect on the “Point God’s” Impact
LAS VEGAS - Chris Paul has seen a lot in his 21 NBA seasons, but this chapter with the LA Clippers may go down as one of the most unexpected. Earlier this month, the Clippers made the surprising move to send the veteran point guard home mid-road trip, effectively ending his time with the team as they work toward finding him a new destination.
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It’s a stunning twist for a player who, just last season, was a steady presence in San Antonio’s starting lineup. Paul started all 82 games for the Spurs, averaging 8.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, 7.4 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. He played nearly 28 minutes a night and shot a respectable 42.7% from the field and 37.7% from deep - solid numbers for a 38-year-old floor general still commanding the game with his mind as much as his body.
But his short stint in LA didn’t go as planned. Through limited minutes this season, Paul averaged just 2.9 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 3.3 assists, shooting 32.1% from the field and 33.3% from three.
The production wasn’t there, and tensions reportedly boiled over after a heated exchange with associate head coach Jeff Van Gundy following a home loss to the Mavericks. That moment proved to be the tipping point, with the Clippers deciding to send Paul home during a four-game road swing.
While the situation in LA remains murky, what’s clear is the respect Paul still commands around the league - especially from his former Spurs teammates.
Paul was back in the spotlight recently, sitting courtside at the NBA Cup in Las Vegas next to Spurs legend Tony Parker. The two watched San Antonio take on the Oklahoma City Thunder in the semifinal - a game the Spurs won before falling to the Knicks in the final. After the game, Paul shared a warm embrace with Victor Wembanyama and several of his former teammates, many of whom were caught off guard by how quickly things unraveled with the Clippers.
"I'm super surprised at what happened with him [and the Clippers]," one former teammate said, echoing the sentiments of many in the Spurs locker room.
Paul’s influence in San Antonio went well beyond the box score. His leadership, his approach to the game, and his willingness to mentor younger players left a lasting impression - even on those who weren’t with the team long.
De’Aaron Fox, who joined the Spurs midseason last year via a trade from the Kings, spoke highly of Paul’s impact.
“CP was great,” Fox said. “He was a professional and he was a vet.
As soon as I got here, he asked me where I want the ball, what spots I like - things like that. Things you’ve seen from him his whole career, whether it was New Orleans, the early Clippers days - that’s just who he is.”
Fox didn’t want to speculate on what went wrong in LA, but he was quick to credit Paul for the way he carried himself and helped guide a young Spurs team through a developmental season.
“I think he was great for the group last year,” Fox added. “Especially going through a lot of growing pains. I think everybody was appreciative of what he gave to the organization.”
Whether this is the end of the road for Paul remains to be seen. He hasn’t formally announced any retirement plans, but social media posts hint at a possible farewell.
One video showed him reflecting on what may have been his final game in his home state of North Carolina. Another clip took fans down memory lane, revisiting the iconic “Lob City” era with the Clippers.
If this is the final act, it’s been an extraordinary run. Over 21 seasons, Paul has suited up for 1,370 regular-season games, averaging 16.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, 9.2 assists, and 2.0 steals per game.
His name is etched in the record books - second all-time in both assists (12,552) and steals (2,728), trailing only John Stockton. He also ranks 41st in total points scored with 23,058.
And while his time in LA ended in a way no one saw coming, the respect he’s earned across the league - from rookies to legends - remains firmly intact.