Clippers Face Harsh Reality About Chris Paul
The San Antonio Spurs are thriving early this season, while the Los Angeles Clippers are discovering a critical weakness in their new point guard, Chris Paul — something the Spurs already knew from experience.
Spurs’ Momentum and Strong Start
Led by Steph Castle and Dylan Harper, the Spurs have impressed through the opening games. Their energetic rim attacks and quick ball movement have them looking like a rising team in the West.
Chris Paul’s Time in San Antonio
During his single season with the Spurs, Paul’s veteran presence and playmaking aided the development of several young players. However, a crucial limitation in his game became apparent.
Paul was either unwilling or unable to attack the paint.
That flaw hurt the Spurs' offensive rhythm, as their rim drives and interior pressure dropped significantly whenever Paul was on the court.
Impacts on the Clippers’ Offense
Now with the Clippers, the same issue is surfacing. A point guard who avoids attacking the basket struggles both to score and to create space for teammates. Effective penetration opens up corner threes or easy roll-man dunks in the pick-and-roll, areas where Paul’s play has so far fallen short.
Spurs’ Strategic Shift
San Antonio plans to strengthen its offensive core by adding De’Aaron Fox alongside Harper and Castle, who all excel at driving to the rim — a distinct contrast to Paul’s current limitations.
When the Spurs signed Paul, many expected him to turn Victor Wembanyama into a lob threat, but that never really happened.
Author’s Summary
The Clippers are realizing late that Chris Paul’s reluctance to attack the rim restricts their offense, a shortcoming the Spurs had already learned during his brief tenure in San Antonio.