The Clippers recently confirmed that Chris Paul will be returning to LA for what could potentially be his final season in the NBA. At age 40, Chris Paul became the oldest player on the Clippers’ roster that already had five players of age 34 or above before he even joined.
Just a few days ago, they also signed the 32-year-old Bradley Beal, who is arguably on the downward slope in his career in terms of impact on the floor. Therefore, Kendrick Perkins is not happy with the Clippers’ moves this offseason. The former NBA champion went on ESPN’s NBA Today and ripped into the Clippers for their offseason moves.
“Congratulations to Steve Ballmer and the Los Angeles Clippers. They have officially become the nursing home for the NBA for the players who are on the backend of their careers. Nah, I’m serious. Because if we think that this is serious in terms of moving the needle for the Clippers as far as being a competitor, not just a title contender but competing in the tough Western Conference, it’s not.”
“And I get it, Chris Paul brings a lot of value whether he’s playing or he’s on the bench as an extension of Ty Lue. But when I look at their roster, I see a guy like Dunn, yes, he’s a guy that could defend at a high level, but the Clippers look old.”
“And they still, to me, have a problem in their wing position when it comes to depth of guys who can compete and play at a high level on the defensive side of things. Offensively, they got enough to put up points; they’re going to have a good regular season. But can they compete with the likes of Houston, Denver, or even the Lakers now? I just don’t see it.”
So clearly, Perkins is not moved by the Chris Paul signing and thinks the Clippers have not done well this offseason. Later, while addressing all the moves of the team in total, Perkins had a critical grade for the Clippers.
“Well, I would I would give them a C to be honest with you because again, while other teams around the league, because Oklahoma City has set the bar as needing the youth, you’re watching them and they’ve added Bradley Beal who over the last four or five years hasn’t played over 60 games even one time in his career.”
“So, he has an injury history. We know what Kawhi Leonard has. I’m a fan, huge fan of Big Zubac. We know what he could bring to the table, but James Harden has a history of folding like clean sheets when it comes down to the postseason.”
“So again, I get it. You get Bradley Beal at a bargain on a two-year, $11 million deal, but we haven’t seen the best version of Bradley Beal in quite some time. And I don’t know if he could just turn it on. And I don’t think others around the league care if he turns it on. And to be honest, if I had to give them, uh, what they rank in the state of California for their off seasons or where they rank in these teams, I would have them third on the list behind the Lakers and Golden State right now.”
Chris Paul played on the Clippers for six seasons between 2011-2017 before he was traded to the Rockets to join forces with James Harden. He has now come back for what seems to be a farewell tour for the guard after declaring his intentions to retire after this season, coincidentally with Harden on the team as well.
Paul is not very concerned about playing time and just wants to be on a championship-winning roster. His experience in the league makes him a valuable addition to any team, despite averaging only 8.8 points, 7.4 assists, and 3.6 rebounds per game last season.
Do you think Perkins is right? Have the Clippers not addressed their main concerns this offseason? Are they not championship contenders despite four former All-Stars on their roster? Let us know what you think in the comments section.
