The LA Clippers' vision from the jump, following Chris Paul's veteran minimum signing, was to win a championship in his last ride. But, with 11 early-season losses and several DNP's, Paul realized that one season would be enough, and plans to retire once the offseason hits.
This decision from Paul mandates celebration. He is an NBA legend, an icon in Los Angeles, and will always be remembered as 'the point god,' who kept the true point guard style of play alive in an era that valued three-pointers more than ever.
Thus, fans worldwide are happy for Paul. Even though it has not been all happiness for the Clippers this season, his family got the chance to see him play, up close, at home, in the Intuit Dome.
However, he could enter retirement without a ring. The Clippers wanted him to achieve at least one before his laces were hung up, yet this shocking announcement comes at a time when the Clippers are at their worst.
Chris Paul's planned retirement puts more pressure on James Harden to succeed
From star to star, James Harden may be the most excited player in the locker room for Chris Paul's inevitable retirement. They were teammates for two separate stints and seem to have always been great friends, celebrating each other's success.
On the flip side, in the back of his mind, Harden knows the pressure on him to thrive just exceeded the maximum limit. It is scary how much the LA Clippers will need him now, in the midst of their struggles, with a championship left to win to fulfill Paul's aspirations.
Had Bradley Beal been there, or at least had the possibility to return, Harden would have had a chance to sigh for relief later in the year. Unfortunately, Beal's season is done for, and the injury bug has also affected Kawhi Leonard and Derrick Jones Jr.
Thus, the points-per-game averages fans of the Clippers are currently seeing from the former MVP may actually exceed 30. The ball will always be in his hands, and while seeing him prosper at 36 will be fun, it is not a reliable method of winning.
All in all, the Clippers' franchise and NBA community feel nothing but joy. Paul surprised everyone with a massive update just weeks after the season began, and fans will always respect him for trying two seperate times to win a ring.