The split between the Los Angeles Clippers and Chris Paul has been one of this season's most unexpected outcomes, especially given the history both parties share.
However, with more details about the issue now made public, Stan Van Gundy is no longer surprised by what happened. According to him, veterans like Paul aren't respected the way that they were in the past, especially since he's no longer the player he once was.
"I think it's really really difficult even when you're with other veteran players. I think the idea of we're bringing these guys in as leaders when they're not still playing at a high level or big minutes, personally, I don't think that ever ends up working well," he said . "Players respect you, but you're not on the court with them very many minutes, and you don't have history with them."
One of the primary reasons Paul chose to spend his final year in the league with the Clippers is that he felt he had reached his peak as a player during his tenure with the organization. After all, the Lob City era wouldn't have existed if it weren't for him.
Paul also knew that he would have a different role than 10 years ago, serving as a veteran leader who only occasionally received minutes. This was not well received by Ty Lue and the team, and according to Van Gundy, Paul was seen as the guy crashing the party instead of being an established figure like Udonis Haslem .
"Now, I think you can be a great leader if you're not getting any minutes, but it's got to be the way Udonis Haslem did it in Miami. He's with the same organization, so that guys are with him. He came up in that organization, so he's not trying to walk into the door trying to be a leader of an organization. He [Paul] hasn't been one," Van Gundy said .
"That was Udonis Haslem, and in history, everyone who walked in the door knew he was so that can work, and it did work. I don't think it works to bring in a non-playing guy even if the players respect you, it's just not enough," he added.
Paul, who averaged 2.9 points, 1.8 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 14.3 minutes, played 16 games for the Clippers before being fired. Reports indicate that his firing was due to the fact that he clashed with Lue, as they apparently were not on speaking terms for most of the time.
Given Paul's commanding and stern personality, this isn't a surprise to hear.
That said, the legendary point guard isn't taking his firing harshly despite it happening in his farewell NBA season. He is at peace with everything as long as he's around his family and friends.
Whether or not Paul returns to the court to play out the rest of his final season is uncertain, but what he knows is that he's never going to change his approach to the game — even once he's retired.
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Dec 13, 2025, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
