Since being traded by the L.A. Clippers to the Houston Rockets, not a lot has been heard from Chris Paul. His reaction to being dealt and playing for a new team next season is not yet known, but he recently broke his silence and opened up about it.
The 32-year-old Wake Forest product discussed why he thinks it was already time to leave the Clippers. He cited the need to bring change to the team and his former teammates as the main reason for accepting the trade with open arms, via Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated. Paul then made it clear that he has no ill feelings towards the Clippers, especially to team owner Steve Ballmer.
“For me, first of all, I love the Clippers and the organization. [Owner] Steve Ballmer has been unbelievable. The relationship I made with him over the last few years is something that won’t go anywhere. I’m grateful, thankful and so blessed. I feel like I’m leaving Los Angeles with nothing but love.”
“I feel like the last six years we’ve had a great run. I felt like it was not only a good time for change for me, but for the team, too. Everyone says, ‘We get killed. We can’t get there. We just can’t get over the hurdle.’ I felt like it was time for change.”
Paul added that he feels that he has a big chance of contending for a title in Houston and that their fate is in their hands, on how good they could be as a team.
“That’s completely up to us. I’m excited about getting there and getting integrated into the city. It’s an exciting time.”
The nine-time All-Star will now be paired with James Harden to form a very dynamic backcourt. The Rockets are also rumored to still want to add another star to their fold and further increase their chances of winning it all next season. Should that happen, they will emerge as a big threat to the Golden State Warriors, and could potentially dethrone them if everything turns out as planned for their team.
Paul is widely considered one of the best point guards in the NBA today. His skill set is a welcome addition to the Rockets, who are making huge strides in improving their roster, in order to compete better against the other title favorites. If Paul and Harden can co-exist and prove that they will do anything to win, it will definitely be an exciting year for the Houston faithful, as their team could be destined for more success next year.
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