If you ask Clippers fans, “Who’s the most important piece on the team,” many may tell you Chris Paul. If you ask Chris Paul the same question, his answer might be different, according to ESPNLosAngeles.com.
So who does Chris Paul think is the key to the Clippers success?
"Blake is one of those guys, where his age has nothing to do with anything," Paul told ESPNLosAngeles this week. "People may say he's a young guy, but he's been special in this league, he's been an All-Star. His voice carries a lot of weight and I think our team will definitely go as Blake goes.”
Paul added, “He’s our guy, and he’s good enough to do so.”
Ever since sitting out his first year in the league with a knee injury, Griffin has been one of the most exciting players in the league. His ridiculous dunks are literally on the highlight reel every night.
He has also put up great numbers during his three years in the NBA—20.4 points per game, 10.4 rebounds per game and a 52 percent field goal percentage.
Last season Griffin put up numbers below his average with 18.0 points and 8.3 rebounds. However, this was likely due to the extra talent and scoring options the Clippers had last season. Griffin did have increases in average assists and average steals during the 2012-2013 season. His average assists rose from 3.2 to 3.7 and his average blocks rose from 0.8 to 1.2.
Paul said he and Griffin were not always ‘on the same page’ the two seasons in which they have played together. However, the Clippers point guard said he and Griffin were able to talk things out during a trip to Asia this summer as part of a Jordan Brand tour, .
"It's been a great summer for us. I think we've both had an opportunity to grow," Paul said. "As you get older you realize it's all about winning and I think we both realize we really need each other in order to do that."
The Clippers had a great regular season, finishing 56-26 before heading into the playoffs. Unfortunately for ‘Lob City’, they lost to the Memphis Grizzlies in six games, handing them a first round exit. Paul had been dealing with injuries as the season winded down. Griffin suffered an ankle sprain in Game 5 which affected him in games 5 and 6. However, all Paul remembers is the defeat.
"There's no excuses," Paul said. "For me, years from now I'll never remember we won 56 games in the regular season [in 2012]. The only thing I'll remember is we were up 2-0 and we lost 4-2. That's all I remember. I just know we lost.
"It's something I think about every day. I'm going to keep fighting until something gives. Ricky Bobby said it best," Paul said, making reference to the movie, "Talladega Nights," starring Will Ferrell. "'If you're not first you're last' and I've been last the past eight seasons."
The Clippers made some moves this offseason, highlighted by the signing of Doc Rivers. Hopefully for the LA team, Rivers can bring over his success from Boston and help get Paul the one thing he wants most—a championship.
