Throughout his NBA career Chris Paul has played at an all-star level for numerous seasons. Paul has been named a Western Conference All-Star every year since 2008 and has continued to dominate his competition on the floor. There is no question that Chris Paul is considered one of the most elite point guards, not only in the Western Conference, but in the NBA. During the 2016-2017 season, Paul was able to carry the Clippers, though the team was eliminated from the playoffs after they blew a 2-1 series lead to the Utah Jazz. Now, Chris Paul enters the 2017 offseason with a big decision: leave LA or stay and make things work.
Unable to produce enough to win
When fans talk about the play of Chris Pau, they often discuss his ability to distribute the ball on a consistent basis. The talented point guard has an average of 9.9 assist per game for his career. Since joining the La Clippers in the 2011-2012 season, Paul has been able to average a field goal percentage of around 47%, demonstrating that he is able to take high percentage shots when it matters most. His play has benefited the Clippers tremendously throughout the years. The organization has been able to make the playoffs every year since his arrival.
In 2009 the LA Clippers decided to draft Blake Griffin, the star forward out of the University of Oklahoma. When Chris joined the team in 2011 many believed that the play of Griffin and Paul, in addition to DeAndre Jordan would create problems for opposing teams.
When Blake was hit with a barrage of injuries and DeAndre endured a performance slump, Chris was left to carry the team on his back. The struggles continued for the Clippers squad and although CP3 continued to give his all, he could not avoid the headache that losing in the playoffs brings.
Teams always need a pure point guard
With Chris Paul becoming a free agent at the end of the season, many teams will be looking to acquire him. Chris Paul has made it apparent that he is still able to play at an all-star level. During the 2017 playoffs, he was able to produce 25 points per game in addition to the 9 assist he tallied each night.
In a league where very few teams have an all-around point guard in their arsenal, Chris Paul will be a player to watch as the offseason approaches. Teams such as the Spurs, Pelicans, Mavericks and Pacers would love to add the veteran to their roster, and only time will tell whether he stays in Los Angeles or not.