Clippers release Chris Paul in his final NBA season

Chris Paul (YouTube)

The Los Angeles Clippers have released future Hall of Fame point guard Chris Paul of Winston-Salem, North Carolina according to Rogers Sportsnet on Wednesday. Paul had signed with the Clippers in the offseason around the same time as Bradley Beal.  It is fair to say the signings of Paul and Beal have simply not worked out. While Paul was just not invited to stay on with the team, Beal broke his hip last month and his season is done.

The reason why Paul was released is rather interesting. Paul was allegedly very outspoken about the Clippers’s poor start to the season and held management accountable. In 21 games, they only have a record of five wins and 16 losses. Los Angeles management believed Paul was being “disruptive,” and providing a “negative locker room presence.” These accusations could be considered a surprise because Paul is 40 years of age, a NBA veteran, and announced earlier this season, that this would be his final NBA season.

Paul also requested a meeting with Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue, before the release. That request was not granted by Lue, who was not on speaking terms with Paul for a couple of weeks. It is fair to say that Lue is on the hot seat as the Clippers head coach.

Paul is in his 21st season in the NBA.  It is fair to say, he is past his prime as he is only averaging 2.9 points per game. Paul’s accolades include leading the NBA in steals per game six times, assists per game five times, and being a NBA All-Star 12 times.