LOS ANGELES – The Chris Paul era of L.A. Clippers basketball is over, and so begins the a new chapter in the franchise's history. In moving Paul, the Clippers acquired defensive standout Patrick Beverley and a flurry of players from the Houston Rockets.
With Paul's exit, many are going to compare what Paul's done to what Beverley will be doing in his stead considering there is a dropoff when it comes to the offensive side of the ball and what both players can do. In his introductory press conference with his new team in L.A., Beverley admitted that he knew the comparisons were going to be made and essentially put an end to them before they began.
“I'm going to go ahead and get this out of the way because I know I'm going to be asked this a lot this year. I am not Chris Paul. I reiterate: I am not Chris Paul. In saying that, he's not me either. So we'll leave it right there.”
Beverley's answer was met with a bit a serious reaction, but head coach Doc Rivers broke the ice and drew laughs with his response.
“That is a terrific answer,” said Rivers with a laugh.
Beverley averaged career highs in rebounds (5.9), assists (4.2), and steals (1.5) to go along with 9.5 points per game last season with the Rockets, and he'll be looking to bring that defensive mindset to this new Clippers squad.
“I'm excited,” added Beverley. “I'm fortunate and blessed to get an opportunity to play for a top notch franchise, top notch organization a coach that's been successful with point guards in the past, excited to be out there with new teammates, excited to enjoy the grind of being successful of reaching our goals.”
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