Los Angeles Clippers: Chris Paul’s legacy and future of team on the line in 2017 NBA Playoffs
Thanks to David Stern and the rest of the board of the NBA, Chris Paul was gift-wrapped to the Los Angeles Clippers in 2011. When the Clips received Paul the Clippers faithful rejoiced. They now had a superstar to call their own and one that could hopefully lead them to their first NBA title. Paul has done his part during the regular season, however, the playoffs have been a different story in itself.
During his career in Los Angles, Paul has guided the Clippers to 313 regular season wins with no season less than 40. His per game averages are 19 points, 10 assist, and 2 steals but it’s what happens after the midway point of April that has fans wondering if Paul is with all the accolades.
Imagine being a Clipper fan and seeing the Los Angeles Lakers win two more championships after nearly getting Paul. The head-to-head meetings mean nothing as the Clippers have continued to disappoint when it matters most. Will the 2017 NBA Playoffs be any different?
To be honest– they better be or else.
Paul has never led the Clippers past the Western Conference Semifinals and yet he’s still beloved. He is one of the best in the game and his bust is already being constructed in the Hall of Fame. But the question remains– he will go down as this generation’s Steve Nash if he can’t find a way to get his team over the hump? I can offer him a pass if he played on the Phoenix Suns or the Brooklyn Nets but he plays on a team that features Blake Griffin, DeAndre Jordan and coached by Doc Rivers. So what’s the excuse, Chris?
Have there been better teams? Yes, but how can you dismiss 5 consecutive years of 50+ wins?
Every season is important for a player’s legacy but this will hold true for Paul and the Clippers this year. The Lakers, despite their rebuild, are still the hot ticket in LA. However, Paul and Griffin will be free to hit the open market after this season is over. What will the Clippers do? Do you pay Paul who is 30– $25-30M a year and hope he gets it together or do they move on?
When the Clippers go to evaluate their roster for next year they must take into account everyone else. How good are Griffin and Jordan without Paul? It’s one thing to be without him for a few games and still put up decent numbers. But can they do it for an entire season without one of the greatest facilitators is another story?
LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh have their rings. It’s up to Paul and Carmelo Anthony to be included in that company with their friends. Melo is out but Paul still has a chance. It’s the same chance he’s had for the past 5 years.
Mark has been covering Sports and Entertainment for the past six years. His work has been featured on Bleacher Report, ESPN, Fox Sports, Teen Vogue, and many other websites.
