Chris Paul wanted to leave the Hornets because he was carrying the whole team and they couldn't really get deep into the playoffs even with him. So, he got himself traded to the Clippers and agreed to pick up his 2012/13 player option as part of the deal. Now, it looks like his team is basically at the same level as the Hornets team he left. He still has to do all of the heavy lifting and their playoff run don't look to be long for this world (even if they win game 7, can't really see how they'd get through round 2). So, does he stay? One might say that he should stay because the young Griffin and Jordan will get better-- but Griffin and Jordan are pretty much the same guys they were last season (Bill Simmons said Jordan has regressed). The only other player with upside on the roster is Bledsoe. Other than this, what tools do they really have with which to acquire new talent? Paul can sign an extension for up to 3 additional years before or during next season. Or he can enter free agency in 2013 and choose where he goes-- resign with current team for up to 5 years or sign with a different team for up to 4. The other option he has is to force a trade to the team he wants then sign for 5 years. Basically the same situation faced by Dwight Howard this year (and next).
You judge a guy's jump in his 3rd year. Griffin will enter his 3rd year next year. I expect him to make a jump to superstardom. He has been exposed nationally this year with his deficiencies. Look for him to improve on most of those weaknesses. The Clips will be the #2 team in the West next year after OKC. And no, he's staying.
While he doesn't want to carry a team all by himself (give griffin a few more years and he won't have to), he also wanted a bigger market. Now that he got it he'll stay.
Tony Parker and Chauncey Billups are the only decent point guards that have won titles the past 15 seasons. Rajon Rondo and Jason Kidd were average when they won. The premiere point guards need to bust on through already. Chris Paul, Steve Nash, Deron Williams, Derrick Rose. Russell Westbrook has an outside shot.
That is a bold prediction at this point. While I know Blake is a very dedicated worker in the offseason, I doubt he ever makes the jump into top 5-6 player in the league. It's arguable he regressed this season. Clippers need another dynamic perimeter scorer so their offense isn't 100% dependent on CP3. They are stuck with a flatlined Jordan at C. A huge question is whether Vinny comes back as coach. I can see CP3 leaving at the end of next season if the Clippers aren't better. But I can also see him staying since it's LA and there is no better franchise to lose on than the Clippers.
actually, he doesnt have an outside but I agree, if these superstar PG's are so 'super' then lets see them get to the promised land my take on superstar PG's is kinda like superstar running backs in the NFL.. you dont need one to win a championship, although it wouldnt hurt.. just go back 5 years of the last Super Bowl winners, the team didnt win with a premier 'superstar' running back so goes for the PG position, kind of intriguing
its not about Griffin becoming a top 5-6 player in the game, thats not necessary as long as he could be a top 15, possibly 10 type player, thatll be good enough with Paul.. yea, they def need another outside presence who can create his own shot and take the offensive pressure off CP3 also, maybe Billups coming back next season will alleviate the workload if he can be ready by playoffs next year Bring in a competent coach, VDN is a hinderance
He's still in Los Angeles- which I think is what he wanted- so he'll stay unless the Knicks, Heat, or Lakers clear space for him.
.... They don't have any shooters? Mo williams, randy Foye, Caron butler are pretty much pure shooters.
