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After signing a five-year, $107 million contract to remain with the Clippers this offseason, these are the types of details Paul is thinking about now. Three years of speculation about his future are finally over.

"It feels great to have that behind me because now you can just play basketball, and there will be more questions about the games and not about what's going to happen," Paul said in a wide-ranging interview with ESPNLosAngeles.com this week. "And I think it gives our team, and the free agents coming to the team, more consistency. They know what to expect now."

In the past three years alone, James, Howard, Anthony and Williams have all seen their reputations take a hit because of the way they went about their free-agent process.

All of which makes Paul's behavior that much more impressive. Why was he able to come through the same set of circumstances relatively unscathed and far more marketable and popular than before, while the others didn't?

While Howard has been soul-searching on the public stage for the past three seasons, Paul is pretty much the same guy he was back in New Orleans. He kept his business in a tight, close-knit circle and set it aside until he could deal with it this summer.

"I tell you the truth," he said. "I'm so lucky to have a simple support system. I don't have an entourage. I've got my wife, I've got my brother, I've got my parents . . . so all the speculation that people want to talk about . . . these are the people who are with me every day."

Ramona Shelburne, ESPN Los Angeles

He also talks about the rumors that he and Dwight were planning to team up.

funny how Paul got out of NOLA but the fact that he stays with the Clippers keeps his reputation in tact.
but that isn't my point here.


i wanted to laugh at how Paul has done nothing but the right thing and people on the internet have tried their best to make his FA this year into a negative point.

oh he doesn't get along with Blake.
oh he asked for a black coach.
oh he made the Clippers pick the phone back up for Doc.
oh he threatened to go to the Rockets.


it's like dude. You can keep poking at CP and trying to find a negative point to pin on him, but the truth of the matter is...it's not there.

He got his money and has the team and coach to get it done. I want him to continue to get in better shape no more tubby Paul its time to come in stronger than ever.

Of course CP3 Is in a "Win Now" mode, the Clippers have made the off-season moves w/ surrounding him w/ coaches & players to get it done now. At 29, CP3 is peaking and we will now see if he is the leader that many people think he is.
The West is tough, Pre-Season + 82 games + Playoffs is a long year & the Clips will need to bond, keep the injuries down to a minimum & have everyone contribute,even Maalik Wayans.
I don't think that Paul is a Saint and I truly believe that he made demands on Management, but if the Clippers stay as a Focused Team working w/ each other then good things will happen. In this day of sports it is hard for a Super Star not to get hammered by the Press or Fans & I have done my share of questioning, I am excited to see if this team can keep playing in June.

what exactly is the problem with him making demands on management?


i don't think I know one superstar who hasn't made a demand on management.

I have no problems w/ anyone asking or even demanding something; I just think that you should "Own the Request!" Very few athletes stand up & say "Yes, I said that," I am cool w/ CP3, I just think he is a little sneaky. I think that he is so concerned of his public image, that he is ruthless behind closed doors.
Not a big deal on my view, I'm just one guy in the I.E. that happens not to like his team's Superstar's personality, I do like most aspects of his game, we are lucky to have him. I just don't think that we need to idolize these guys too much, they make a fine living playing a freaking game, but do their actions on and off the court transfer to a good community member?
I just am concerned about the chemistry of this team, especially Doc, Blake, DJ & CP3.

RiversideClips wrote:I have no problems w/ anyone asking or even demanding something; I just think that you should "Own the Request!" Very few athletes stand up & say "Yes, I said that," I am cool w/ CP3, I just think he is a little sneaky. I think that he is so concerned of his public image, that he is ruthless behind closed doors.
Not a big deal on my view, I'm just one guy in the I.E. that happens not to like his team's Superstar's personality, I do like most aspects of his game, we are lucky to have him. I just don't think that we need to idolize these guys too much, they make a fine living playing a freaking game, but do their actions on and off the court transfer to a good community member?
I just am concerned about the chemistry of this team, especially Doc, Blake, DJ & CP3.

ur doing too much.

Quake ----what are you talking about??

I don't "idolize" them. I'm 24. Exactly one week younger than Blake. I don't wish I was him or idolize them. I enjoy their talents and root for them to win. They're the best at what they do and tremendously fun to watch.

mttwlsn16 wrote:I don't "idolize" them. I'm 24. Exactly one week younger than Blake. I don't wish I was him or idolize them. I enjoy their talents and root for them to win. They're the best at what they do and tremendously fun to watch.

I also think they are one of the most talented teams and probably one of the best to watch on T.V. or live, I think you make some great points. I think the 4 main ingredients to a winning team are the players, team chemistry, coaching & a little luck. I question Doc's hiring, but he has made it to 2 Finals (winning One) in his 13 years as an NBA coach. Doc has usually had 2 All-Stars on each of his teams, so he does know how to keep egos in tact. Is he an upgrade from Vinny? w/out question Doc is a better coach, I never said he wasn't; I just don't like his style, but I am hoping that it works in Clipperland.
Players, we have them, We are as deep as an Olympic Diving Pool, I am just weary of Players trying to do too much during a game or publicly supporting team mates, but stabbing them behind closed doors. I am hoping that CP3 won't have to take over too many games like he did last year b/c we NOW have consistent shooters (JJ & Duds) around him where he may finally be able to be the "Traffic Cop w/ a Ball" that he is.
I am not "downer," just a realist that knows that an NBA season is a long grind and it takes many, many hours of dedicated practice to be successful.
Like all of us on this site, Training Camp hasn't even started & we are engaged w/ "our" team about all the fantastic things that could happen next season. I may not always agree what is written on this Board or what someone has posted, but I respect the Posters that come here past & present that are as crazy about this Team & Organization, like I am. I think the team has work to improve on, but it's fan base is probably one of the best in the NBA.
Cheers.....