More than two decades Chris Paul has shone in the NBA, establishing himself as one of the best point guards in history – on his farewell tour he is now experiencing an unworthy dismissal.
Not even two weeks ago, NBA legend Chris Paul was extremely grateful. “What a journey… and so much left. Grateful for the last section,” the point guard wrote on his X-account before his Los Angeles Clippers’ away game in his hometown, against the Charlotte Hornets.
Currently, the 40-year-old is unlikely to feel any gratitude, as he has suffered an equally surprising and unpleasant dismissal. “I just found out that I’m being sent home,” the dismayed athlete posted via social media.
Paul learned of the decision at 3 am Initially, NBA insider Chris Haynes reported it, and later the Clippers released a statement.
NBA hammer! Los Angeles Clippers fire Chris Paul in the middle of the night
“We are parting ways with Chris and he will no longer be part of the team,” Clippers President Lawrence Frank was quoted as saying in the accompanying statement.
“Chris is a franchise legend with a great career. But I want to make it clear that no one blames Chris for us not performing as desired this season,” added the Clippers boss.
“I take responsibility for our record,” Frank also explained: “There are many reasons for that. But we are grateful for what Chris has done for this franchise.”
A grotesque end to an agreement that should have been a great and appropriate farewell tour for one of the best point guards in NBA history.
Prevented trade to the Lakers
Two months ago, Paul emotionally signed for one year in the Californian metropolis. “It was actually a no-brainer. If I’m being completely honest, I really wanted to come back and play here,” he said at the time.
A few weeks later, he announced that his 21st season in the best basketball league in the world would also be his last. Once again, he wanted to play for the team he should never have joined.
From 2005 to 2011, the point guard played for the Hornets. In December 2011, they agreed with the Los Angeles Lakers and the Houston Rockets on a trade that would have sent Paul to the LA Lakers. But shortly after the deal became public, NBA Commissioner David Stern vetoed it under pressure from other owners. The move fell through, and Paul was traded to the Clippers instead – and stayed for many years.
Countless Best Marks – but no NBA title
The 40-year-old played for seven teams in the course of his career, in addition to the Hornets and Clippers, he was also active for the Rockets, the Oklahoma City Thunder, Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs. There was no shortage of records and awards for the former “Rookie of the Year.”
He was selected to the NBA All-Star twelve times, and to the All-NBA team eleven times. In the list of all-time assist leaders, Paul, who is considered one of the best point guards in history, is in second place. Only legend John Stockton gave more assists.
Paul won two Olympic gold medals with the US national team. In 2008 in Beijing and 2012 in London he was able to put the gold medal around his neck.
Surprising end: Clippers part ways with Chris Paul
Paul’s dismissal horrifies fans
Only the NBA title remained for Paul – which is unlikely to change in his last year.
The dismissal of the 40-year-old, who is currently the second oldest NBA player behind Lakers superstar LeBron James, caused plenty of question marks – and displeasure – in the league.
After the news became known, countless fans expressed themselves in social networks, expressing their displeasure at the unworthy end of an era.
At the same time, memories may have been awakened for countless followers: In January 2018, the Clippers surprisingly sent their top player Blake Griffin to Detroit – even though he too – just like Chris Paul – actually wanted to end his career in California.
Will Paul find a new NBA team again?
With only five wins and already 16 defeats, the current season of the Clippers is anything but smooth. What exactly the team expects from Paul’s dismissal is still unclear.
What is clear, however, is that a night-and-fog dismissal of a franchise legend on a farewell tour does not necessarily make for positive headlines.
For the point guard himself, it remains to be hoped that he will find a place for the last months of his career that is worthy of his career. Missing NBA title or not.
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