Who could pass up on the best player & best coach?
Just two weeks ago, the San Antonio Spurs were on the verge of pulling off a game 1 blowout upset on the Golden State Warriors. However, with Kawhi Leonard dealing with ankle issues and Tony Parker suffering a ruptured quadriceps; the Spurs were soon swept from the playoffs.
With the Los Angeles Clippers looking to make maximum contract offers to their two captains and J.J. Reddick, the President of the Players’ Association will have to analyze his career and future.
CP3, changed the collective bargaining agreement, just so that he could sign a five-year, $200 million contract this summer. While it’s doubtful that the team will ever be able to contend, due to management and coaching woes; there’s mutual interest between Mr. Paul and San Antonio.
In our opinion, Chris should leave Los Angeles this summer, even if it means taking a huge decrease in pay; if he wants what’s best for his career. This means he’ll be leaving behind DeAndre Jordan and Blake Griffin (who cares?) in Hollywood, as well as $40 million in multi-year contract money.
Pairing up with Kawhi Leonard and LaMarcus Aldridge could create an immediate super team of their own. Not to mention, this would be the first time ever in his professional career of having a real head coach – which would be the league’s best and most-respected sidelines patroller.
The Clippers, I'm told, take the threat of a Spurs free-agent pursuit of Chris Paul very seriously despite SA's current lack of cap space.
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) May 26, 2017
Doc Rivers belives Chris Paul Is ‘Absolutely’ Staying With Clippers
This is no shot at Doc Rivers; but multiple players have recently spoke bad about their time with the respected coach, saying they never run practices – or plays. We essentially believe the Clippers project has been a waste of his last six years, as players haven’t worked on their craft in the summer and front office problems hindering over on-court play. In San Antonio, there’s only one authority in charge, which the majority of the NBA doesn’t have for championship franchise’s.
He’ll still have the burden of having to guard Steph Curry in the playoffs, but he’ll have better wing help from Jonathon Simmons and Kyle Anderson – not to mention Leonard. In LA, fans pleaded with Blake to develop a 16-foot jump shot, which is what he and CP3 worked on for years.
With LaMarcus, a pick-and-roll set during moments of the game is something that will be beneficial for both parties creating their own shots. So, his only focus in San Antonio could potentially be just resting up and improving his craft for final prime years. The Spurs would likely lose Pau Gasol, Dewayne Dedmon and David Lee; who can all be replaced at this point in their careers.
Although San Antonio and Tony Parker are yet to confirm the imminent announcement for his future and Manu Ginóbili’s retirement plans, Gregg Popovich could properly insert CP3 as the vocal floor leader to the team. This has been missing since the departure of Tim Duncan last year, who’s often quiet in the public eye when not on the court. We’re assuming Parker will leave the game at 35, given this latest injury, which the team will have additional point guard options at Kyle Lowry, Jrue Holiday and potentially bringing back George Hill – if this deal doesn’t happen.
Tony Parker retiring opens up a much-needed spot
Danny Green will likely also have to get axe this summer, if Gasol opts into his $16 million contract and stays. This could also enable pressure off LaMarcus, moving him to a third option. Unfortunately, he became the victim of the bright lights earlier this month, during Golden State’s sweep to the finals. Although San Antonio shifts plans for the short term, CP3 will finally have the duo of a super-star wing player and a spot-up big man he’s been dreaming for his entire carer.
Other veterans like Danilo Gallinari and Rudy Gay could also be possible players the Spurs could look to once additional cap space is opened. This would also open the door for smaller markets to feel comfortable in building super teams of their own (Minnesota Timberwolves, Milwaukee Bucks); and have owners not disgruntled over the big market areas. Like we’ve said before, passing up on $40 million to win a ring, is something the majority of players will never walk away from.
However, Chris Paul will have to take some serious consideration in heading down to the south west in next month. Coach Rivers has also been linked to the Orlando Magic’s front office GM and head coaching job opening; so his leverage in Hollywood could be changed by the Los Angles front office.
Let us know in the comments below if you think CP3 should stay in Los Angeles for the money or finally make it past the second round at the Boardwalk Empire in San Antonio.