Leonard, Harden caught off guard as Clippers move on from Chris Paul
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Los Angeles Clippers stars Kawhi Leonard and James Harden said they learned only on Wednesday that veteran guard Chris Paul is no longer with the team, describing the move as a surprise that came after a late-night meeting between Paul and team president Lawrence Frank at the club’s Atlanta hotel.
“I’m just as confused and shocked as you guys, the world,” Harden told reporters following the Clippers’ win over the Hawks that snapped a five-game skid, according to ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk. “Definitely surprised me. But that is out of my hands. I’ve got to focus on what I can control. I guess the front office felt that was the best decision for the organization.”
Leonard offered a similar reaction. “It was shocking to me,” he said. “I guess they had a conversation and the front office made a decision.”
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Paul and head coach Ty Lue had not spoken for weeks and that the guard’s direct leadership style had clashed with coaches and executives. Paul had been outspoken about holding players, coaches and management accountable, a stance the organization considered increasingly disruptive, according to the report.
Frank told journalists the decision was not triggered by a single incident. “There were multiple conversations,” he said, adding that the separation came only after several attempts to calm tensions.
Lue disputed the notion that Paul’s presence had dragged the Clippers to their 5-16 record. “I don’t think the reason we’re 5-16 is because of CP’s play,” the coach said. “I have a lot of respect for him. I didn’t want to see it end like this.”
Paul has returned to Los Angeles and remains in limbo. League rules prevent any trade involving him until Dec. 15, and waiving him would drop the Clippers below the 14-player minimum while they operate near the first luxury-tax apron. A buyout is possible, though only a few NBA teams currently have an open roster spot.
For now, both the club and its former point guard wait for the next step, with the surprise of the sudden split still fresh inside the locker room.
Source: Hoops Wire
