[Undefeated]Chris Paul: It was time for a change

justtxyank · Jul 11, 2017

A Chris Paul longform article with The Undefeated

https://theundefeated.com/features/chris-paul-time-for-change/

“It had nothing to do with who was in L.A., but more to do with who was in Houston,” Paul said.
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How did you come to the decision to make a change to the Rockets?

For me, first of all, I love the Clippers and the organization. [Owner] Steve Ballmer has been unbelievable. The relationship I made with him over the last few years is something that won’t go anywhere. I’m grateful, thankful and so blessed. I feel like I’m leaving Los Angeles with nothing but love.

So why leave the Clippers?

I feel like the last six years we’ve had a great run. I felt like it was not only a good time for change for me, but for the team, too. Everyone says, ‘We get killed. We can’t get there. We just can’t get over the hurdle.’ I felt like it was time for change.
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What influence did Rockets All-Star James Harden and your former New Orleans Hornets teammates Trevor Ariza and Bobby Brown, both with the Rockets now, have on your decision?

They had somewhat of a role. Obviously, the relationship with Bobby and Trevor … [Ariza and I] had one season in New Orleans where we got close. Bobby did the same thing. It’s basketball, too. I don’t know if it was just watching and seeing them play.

What was James’ influence on your decision?

Just how excited he would be about the opportunity. It showed a lot of selflessness. The fact that it’s all about winning. We talked, obviously, he had a great year last year. Everything was about winning games. … He just said he wants to win.

Are you guys co-point guards? How do you make it work? How do two All-Stars so great with the ball make it work together?

I don’t know. You just do it. You just find a way.
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How good do you think the Rockets can be?

That’s completely up to us. I’m excited about getting there and getting integrated into the city. It’s an exciting time.
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What do you know about Houston, and what are your plans there off the court?

First things first, I have to get there and figure out where I’m going to live. It’s kind of unexpected for us. I’m excited. I don’t know much. I am excited about finding out more. Obviously, I’ve played against Houston a number of times, but I’ve never spent real time there. [Former Clippers teammate] Brandon Bass got married there a couple of years ago. The All-Star Game has been there twice. Other than that …

My wife is the one. No support system, no rock like her. My wife is the one trying to make these tough decisions. She gets it. She knows how much I love this game and how competitive I am. This whole thing is about competition. I’m the most competitive person I know. For me, it’s all about having the best opportunity at having a shot at one of those rings. I’m not built for [losing]. I won’t settle for less. And she knows that.

When everything started happening and all the conversations about the kids and the schools, she said, ‘Wherever you go, you just let them know it’s a plus three.’ It’s unbelievable. Words can’t explain it. I get an opportunity to go out, work, play basketball and be the best player that I can be. She slowed down for me. She knows how bad not only that I want it, but we want it. I’m grateful for that. Decisions like these are tough. You got someone in your corner who says, ‘If you think this is it, we’ve talked about it, let’s do it.’
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And to make sure this thread is interesting...

Any calls or texts from other NBA players that stood out after you chose Houston?

’Bron [James], Melo [Anthony] and D [Wade] obviously hit me about how happy they were for me. Guys like Rudy Gay, Jarrett Jack reached out. I’ve talked to D.J. [Jordan] a lot. That means a lot. He’s from Houston.

What can you say about Melo possibly being a teammate if the New York Knicks trade him to Houston or make him a free agent by buying him out?

Man, sit back and wait.
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More at the link...

bilaal14 · Jul 11, 2017

Paul spoke in-depth about life on and off the court with the Clippers, saying goodbye to L.A. and hello to a town he doesn’t know well in Houston, his love for his supportive wife, Jada, his hopes of playing with his buddy Carmelo Anthony in Houston, and more.

dobro1229 · Jul 11, 2017

Can you imagine how pissed everyone will be if Melo somehow doesn't come to Houston? (I'm still skeptical FYI) Talk about the biggest all time c#$% tease by the players which is typically unprecedented.

sammy · Jul 11, 2017

dobro1229 said: ↑

Can you imagine how pissed everyone will be if Melo somehow doesn't come to Houston? (I'm still skeptical FYI) Talk about the biggest all time c#$% tease by the players which is typically unprecedented.
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No trade clauses are great. Houston will get Melo.

bilaal14 · Jul 11, 2017

What can you say about Melo possibly being a teammate if the New York Knicks trade him to Houston or make him a free agent by buying him out?

Man, sit back and wait.-Chris Paul

Daddy Long Legs · Jul 11, 2017

Opa!

don grahamleone · Jul 11, 2017

I see that there are two threads on this, but I like the OP here and the layout of the first post better. Let's make it number one!

Nimo · Jul 11, 2017

So who wore it better?

http://bbs.clutchfans.net/index.php...time-for-a-change.284102/page-2#post-11202880

don grahamleone · Jul 11, 2017

J Sizzle said: ↑

We would retire Melo's number right then and there. Wouldn't even have to play a game. Would already be legend-status.
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I'm down with that. He's earned a retired jersey by just showing up.

don grahamleone · Jul 11, 2017

kevC said: ↑

Man this has just been so weird. I've never seen a trade be hinted by so many outlets before it happened. Chris Freaking Paul basically confirms it on a on record interview? I have never seen anything like this.
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That was a little shocking to hear it asked straight up. Worst kept secret ever.

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[Undefeated]Chris Paul: It was time for a change

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