The Clippers’ collapse in their Western Conference semifinals series with the Houston Rockets all but guaranteed major changes would be coming to the organization over the offseason. Based on one report, a major change may be the departure of free agent center DeAndre Jordan.
According to FOX Sports’ Bill Reiter, Jordan clashed with Chris Paul this season. Paul’s competitive edge apparently wore on Jordan during the year.
Via Reiter’s report:
All season, multiple sources say, a growing schism emerged between Jordan and point guard Chris Paul, and it could contribute to Jordan’s decision to stay or go as a free agent.
Sources say Paul’s well-known edginess and drive ground on Jordan’s nerves for much of the year. Contributing to the problem was Paul’s view that Jordan lacked the appropriate commitment to working on his free throws, including not working enough with the Clippers shooting coach on that issue, sources said.
Paul is a pushy player who demands a lot out of his teammates because he is almost like having another coach on the floor. Some players may bristle in response to Paul, which apparently is the case with Jordan.
As anyone who saw this video from March could tell you, CP3 has really seemed frustrated with Jordan at times during the season, so this report should not be too shocking. The Dallas Mavericks are believed to be a potential suitor for the reigning NBA rebounding king.
