David Stern has struck yet again, further emasculating Hornets GM Dell Demps as he overvalues the worth of Chris Paul. This time, he has squashed a trade that would have sent Paul to the Clippers for Eric Gordon, Eric Bledsoe, Chris Kaman, Al-Faroq Aminu, and Minnesota’s 2012 first round pick. And you know what? The Clippers should be glad that he did.
The Clippers right now have one of the best cores of talent in the NBA. Think about that for a moment – the CLIPPERS, a perennial joke of a franchise that could have the basketball version of Major Leagues made about them, might be the best basketball team in Los Angeles. This is without Chris Paul; in fact, getting Paul would actually hurt the Clippers’ nucleus. Eric Gordon is one of the best young shooting guards in the game, and can flat out score. Kaman is a solid center that can do all the little things needed to win. Eric Bledsoe is a good young point guard, and will now get to learn from the recently acquired Chauncey Billips. Blake Griffin is an absolute beast; and paired with DeAndre Jordan, may give the Clippers one of the best front courts in the NBA. Add Ryan Gomes, the recently signed Caron Butler, and role players like Randy Foye and Mo Williams, and the Clippers have quietly become contenders.
Notice what name is missing from the list? Chris Paul. The Clippers don’t need him, and would be better off not gutting their team to acquire him. In fact, given the demands by Das NBA Fuhrer, Paul is destined to spend the season languishing on a terrible Hornets team, then will end up bolting in free agency. The Clippers could always make a move to sign him then, and grow even stronger.
The LA Clippers could be a contender for years to come if they stay patient and do not overreach for the flashy name. Who would have ever thought that the best team in Los Angeles for years to come may not be the Lakers?
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