For the first time since 2010, Chris Paul will not participate in the playoffs, and it is obviously an event. Recruited last summer, in exchange for Jordan Poole, “CP3” still spent a lot of time in the infirmary, and it is not yet this season that he will win a title. However, at almost 39 years old, and with one year of his non-guaranteed contract remaining, the former Clippers leader warns that he has no intention of retiring.
“I'm going to talk about it with my wife and my children, and those who support me, to see what happens. But this is not the end of my career, that’s a certainty” he reacted after the elimination against the Kings.
Sixth man for the first time in his career, Chris Paul did well at the end of the season in ball management, but also in getting the best out of Golden State's young shoots. Getting back to California was also important on a personal level, and he would obviously be in favor of staying in San Francisco.
“I didn't think about it because I was too focused… I was at the gym at 8 a.m. this morning, and I was preparing for this match” he says. “When the time comes, we'll discuss it with Mike (Dunleavy) and Steve (Kerr) and see what happens. But I loved it. Honestly, this is my fifth year living without my family, and I've probably seen them more than any other year. »
Steve Kerr can't get him to play with the 'Splash Brothers'
We don't know at what price, but Steve Kerr is ready to keep him, aware that it is valuable to have such a big name to come off the bench and supervise the new generation. But… the Golden State coach recalls that physically, his back line suffered terribly against the Kings, and that CP3 is today in difficulty in defense against faster and more athletic players.
“You saw it tonight, the size and physicality (of the Kings) destroyed us,” Kerr points out. “When you look at our five on the court, Steph, Chris and Klay are usually never together. Chris will therefore not have the playing time he would like. But the way he handled the situation this season is incredible. He is very professional. He is a great mentor for the younger ones. He's one of the best pros I've ever been around. I love coaching Chris and I really hope we get him back. »
