The Los Angeles Clippers experienced significant changes in their roster following the breakup of the iconic “Lob City” trio. This involves Blake Griffin, DeAndre Jordan, and Chris Paul, who played together yet struggled to advance past the second round of the playoffs. With Paul being the first to depart the team, he was traded to the Houston Rockets, and by the 2018-19 season, all trio members were gone from the Clippers.
Fast forward to the present, Chris Paul has returned to the Clippers, while he is the only member of the trio still active in the NBA. Recent comments from Blake Griffin, who now works as an analyst for Amazon, have stirred interest. He offered unexpected praise for Chris Paul, labeling him a top-5 point guard of all time.
Blake Griffin’s Praise for Chris Paul
In a discussion, Griffin stated, “I think all-time Clippers, [Chris Paul] has to be up there, he has to be one.” He further remarked on Paul’s status among point guards, saying, “[he’s] got to be Top 5 of all-time.” Despite later softening his stance by admitting he hadn’t extensively considered the rankings, he acknowledged that Paul has made a substantial impact as a traditional floor general, enhancing the play of his teammates.
Chris Paul’s Career Impact
Chris Paul stands out not only for his individual accolades but also for his influence on teammates. He played alongside Blake Griffin in 338 games, during which Griffin averaged 20.9 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 4.1 assists. Notably, in the 2013-14 season, Griffin achieved his best stats with 24.1 points per game and finished third in MVP voting.
- Griffin’s stats without Paul in 2013-14: 27.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists.
- Other players elevated by Paul: DeAndre Jordan, David West, Clint Capela, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Devin Booker.
- Paul’s leadership brought winning culture to teams like the OKC Thunder.
While Paul may not have secured an NBA championship, his contribution to the teams he has played for is undeniable. He is competing with legendary point guards like John Stockton and Isiah Thomas for a place among the top five, behind icons such as Magic Johnson and Steph Curry.
As discussions around Chris Paul’s legacy and contributions continue, his return to the Clippers adds an intriguing chapter to his already notable career.
