DeAndre Jordan and Chris Paul’s rift, though denied by Doc Rivers and Dahntay Jones, has been reported, re-reported and re-re-reported.
Considering Jordan sacrificed money to join what I think will be Mavericks team worse than the Clippers would have been with him, it seems there’s something to the rift rumors.
Why don’t Jordan and Paul get along?
One report said Paul didn’t respect Jordan’s free-throw practice habits. Here’s another reason.
Paul is a great player, the best point guard of his generation.
But, sometimes, he just hurts his own cause.
His flopping and near-constant whining to referees is off-putting. Each time, he acts genuinely shocked and hurt the officials don’t agree with his point of view.
Likewise, it seemed Paul couldn’t accept Jordan had a different outlook than him on life and basketball. To be sure, some of that is merely Paul’s perception. Jordan would not have come so far after being a second-round pick if he didn’t have a strong work ethic and focus. It might not have matched Paul’s all-time great drive, but that’s an unfair standard. Paul should have done a better job making Jordan feel welcome.
Now Paul and the remaining Clippers will suffer the consequences – trying to get back on track without a good answer for a replacement center.
