I was interested in this chaos mainly because it implied Paul's leadership style, which increasingly seems like a relic of the past. As he grew older and his athleticism waned, Paul moved into a new role, gaining a reputation as a difficult and challenging figure willing to challenge his ego and inspire younger players. Paul's unceremonious departure appears to signal a shift away from the classic NBA archetype of having a veteran presence in the locker room – a guy who doesn't play much but still sits on the bench and brings something important to the team. Udonis Haslem has done it in Miami for years, appearing in less than twenty games in each of his last games. Seven James Johnson spent seven seasons in the league, playing for six different teams, primarily serving as an enforcer, a player who set the tone for toughness.
While there might still be a place for that type of player, the Clippers clearly weren't the right fit for it. This is the oldest NBA team since 2012 in terms of average age of players (31.1 years, although now, without Paul, that figure has dropped by several years). The Clippers are a team veterans. Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, Bradley Beal, Brook Lopez: All of these players have been in the league for over a decade and were the best on the team at some point in their careers. This dynamic was doomed to fail. Paul, placed in a group of players already at his level, can't tell them anything they don't already know. Almost every other team he has played for over the last five years has had young players that he could take under his wing and guide. In Oklahoma City, he was mentored by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, an up-and-coming star; Phoenix had the rising Devin Booker; in San Antonio Victor Vembanyama and Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle. In Los Angeles, it's mostly grown men who, in terms of tenure, are much closer to his position than not. They're not trying to hear unsolicited wisdom from Chris Paul, especially as the Clippers' season seems to be going further and further off the rails.
Paul's departure actually came in the midst of a disastrous start for the Clippers. Despite having one of the top ten championship odds to start the season, the Clippers were stuck at the bottom of the Western Conference, competing with weak teams like New Orleans and Utah. At this rate, I don't understand why they didn't just keep Paul even if his leadership style wasn't well received in the locker room, allowing him to get goodbyes and tributes and allowing him to end his career on a high note.
The news of Paul's departure from Los Angeles (and possible early retirement) was reminiscent of Chris Paul's revealing video from his time with the San Antonio Spurs. He had just passed Jason Kidd for second all-time in assists, and the team gave him a custom basketball and plaque depicting Paul at various stages of his career. There he was, wearing a New Orleans Hornets jersey, baggy and oversized, during his rookie season; announce the play in Oklahoma City; throwing a no-look pass in Los Angeles. In the center of the plaque was a long list of all the teammates Paul had assisted during his career. Paul was excited to see the list and gave a short speech that was frighteningly opinionated. “I know I am often difficult to deal with,” he began, his voice beginning to crack before he broke down in tears. “I know I have a lot to do on the court, but I just love hoops. And I hope you have the opportunity to play as long as I have.”
I hope Chris Paul ends up somewhere else to finish the season. I don't know if I believe in sports as a fertile ground for discussions about what a person “deserves” and what they don't, but I do believe Chris Paul should be able to retire on his own terms. Whether that happens or not, I will always remember the Timberwolves being at the mercy of his big vision for the game and his desire to win by any means necessary. But I will also remember that touchingly heartfelt moment in the San Antonio locker room that showed Paul as a true point guard. He wants something for his teammates, something they themselves may not yet be aware of. But if they look up and reach out, the ball will eventually find them. ♦
