Reprint
Chris Paul was able to reach free agency in the summer of 2017, as
the All-NBA point guard held an option to decline the final year of his
contract with the Los Angeles Clippers. Instead of doing that and
actually hitting the market as an unrestricted free agent, Paul will
reportedly be opting in to the final year
but, within that maneuver, Paul also informed the Clippers that he
wants to play for the Houston Rockets. That was the backdrop of a deal
that was
reportedly consummated on Wednesday and the tandem of Paul and James Harden is already drawing a ton of intrigue.
With that said,
ESPN SportsCenter anchor Michael Eaves brings
a level of detail that is wildly interesting in that his sources
indicate one reason Paul was set to leave Los Angeles was a failing
relationship with head coach and front office head Doc Rivers.
But what really solidified Paul’s dissatisfaction with Doc was
a proposed trade involving Carmelo Anthony last season. New York
offered Carmelo and Sasha Vujacic to the Clippers in exchange for Jamal
Crawford, Paul Pierce and Austin Rivers, a deal to which Rivers
ultimately said no. That event led Paul to feel that keeping his son on
the roster was more important to Doc than improving the team. So,
ultimately, Paul lost both trust and faith in Doc. As one league
executive put it, “Chris despises Doc.”
This is a bombshell of the highest order if true, simply because
the word “despises” brings heavy connotation. Paul is famously prickly
and stubborn, making this believable to a degree, but it is another leap
altogether to move from tension to full blown disdain and loss of
trust.
Regardless of the reason, Paul is headed for Houston and Rivers
will be heading up a very different team next season. What’s up for
debate is just how much Rivers is at fault for the breakup.
