- In a surprising turn, former Clippers star Blake Griffin has lauded ex-teammate Chris Paul as one of the franchise’s all-time greats and a potential Top 5 point guard in NBA history.
- The high praise comes as a shock to many, given the long-standing rumors of a strained relationship between the two dominant figures of the famed “Lob City” era.
- Despite their on-court success, the duo never advanced past the second round of the playoffs, leading to questions about their chemistry and the eventual breakup of the team.
- Griffin’s comments add a new layer to their history as Paul, the only remaining active player from that trio, returns to the Clippers.
A Surprising Endorsement Amid Old Rumors
Years after the electrifying “Lob City” era of the Los Angeles Clippers concluded, Blake Griffin has unexpectedly offered major praise for his former point guard, Chris Paul, potentially putting to rest years of speculation about their relationship. The comments have caught the attention of NBA fans, many of whom believed the star duo had a falling out after their championship aspirations repeatedly fell short.
Griffin’s High Praise for a Clippers Legend
Now working as an analyst for Amazon, Griffin didn’t hold back in his assessment of Paul’s legacy, both with the Clippers and in the annals of basketball history.
“I think all-time Clippers, [Chris Paul] has to be up there, he has to be one,” Griffin stated. He initially went even further, adding, “All-time [point guards], [he’s] got to be Top 5 of all-time.”
While he slightly backtracked on the Top 5 claim, admitting he hadn’t put extensive thought into the exact ranking, the initial sentiment was clear: Griffin holds Paul in exceptionally high regard as a floor general who elevates the talent around him.
Revisiting the Complex ‘Lob City’ Dynamic
The Griffin-Paul-DeAndre Jordan era was defined by breathtaking highlights but capped by playoff disappointment, as the team never broke through the Western Conference’s second round. The franchise eventually dismantled the core, trading Paul to the Houston Rockets first, with Griffin and Jordan departing soon after. Today, only Paul remains an active NBA player, having recently returned to the Clippers.
The On-Court Chemistry Debate
Griffin’s praise is particularly interesting given their on-court dynamic. While playing alongside Paul for 338 games, Griffin averaged an impressive 20.9 points and 8.9 rebounds. However, statistics show that Griffin’s individual scoring often increased in games Paul missed. For example, during the 2013-14 season where he finished third in MVP voting, Griffin’s average jumped from 24.1 to 27.2 points per game in the 19 games he played without Paul. This fueled the theory that Griffin, who later evolved into a primary ball-handler with the Detroit Pistons, may have been stylistically constrained at times by a ball-dominant point guard like Paul.
Chris Paul’s Enduring Legacy
Regardless of his fit with Griffin, the “Chris Paul Effect” is undeniable. Throughout his illustrious career, Paul has been credited with elevating numerous teammates, including David West, Clint Capela, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Devin Booker, and his “Lob City” partner DeAndre Jordan. He has consistently brought a winning culture to every team he’s joined, famously leading an underdog Oklahoma City Thunder team to the playoffs.
Paul’s case as a Top 5 all-time point guard places him in a heated debate against legends like John Stockton, Jason Kidd, Oscar Robertson, and Isiah Thomas, all vying for spots behind the near-unanimous top two of Magic Johnson and Stephen Curry. Griffin’s endorsement, however, adds powerful social proof from someone who witnessed his impact firsthand.
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