Clippers Realize Challenges with Veteran Chris Paul
After decades of NBA basketball, the LA Clippers should have anticipated the rarity of a 40-year-old player performing at a high level consistently. The only player to do so is LeBron James. Yet, the Clippers signed Chris Paul, who is also 40, hoping to manage his playing time during the regular season and see strong performances from him in the playoffs.
By the fourth game of the 2025-26 regular season, it became clear their initial expectations were a bit optimistic. Paul's debut in Salt Lake City raised concerns, not due to his four points and four assists, but because of his efficiency, shooting just 1-for-5 from the field.
Despite this, Paul's experience and basketball intelligence remain valuable assets for the Clippers. However, maintaining consistent performance will be the biggest hurdle for him throughout the remaining 78 games of the season.
Team Rotation and Availability
When the Clippers had their full lineup available, head coach Tyronn Lue had to decide who would sit out, eventually choosing Bogdan Bogdanovic. But when guard Bradley Beal missed games three and four, the Clippers maximized a ten-player rotation, which included four veteran guards, to cover the shortage.
Currently, all eleven Clippers players are healthy and available for today's game, which should reduce the likelihood of any player being sidelined as a 'coach's decision' moving forward.
"Paul's veteran voice and high IQ will be needed, but consistency will be his biggest challenge over the Clippers' next 78 games."
Having learned from the past, the Clippers now recognize the realistic limits of relying on a 40-year-old star to carry them through an entire NBA season.
Author’s summary: The Clippers are facing the reality that managing a 40-year-old Chris Paul requires adjusting expectations, as his consistent contributions will be challenging despite his valuable experience.
More News
- Benin: the government declares coup attempt has been 'foiled'
- No quick fix for ‘tiresome’ M50 gridlock, Minister says
- Commuters hot under the collar as snow, ice gridlock roads across Seoul
- Cheap Domestic Flights in United States of America
- Another Coup In Africa, Soldiers Appear On State TV To Announce Takeover
- Après la tentative de coup d'Etat au Bénin, la menace du pouvoir kaki plus présente que jamais en Afrique
- Vilnius Airport grounds flights after suspected Belarusian balloons detected
- Heavy rain gridlocks KL traffic
- Delegates delayed at Brynglas Tunnels is Drakeford's fault
- IndiGo Flights Cancellation Live Updates