After the Los Angeles Clippers improbably surrendered a 3-1 series lead to the Houston Rockets, rumors started swirling about an apparent rift between Chris Paul and DeAndre Jordan – one that may open the door to Jordan leaving for another team. Doc Rivers was quick to quell the growing concern today on the radio.
Via ESPN’s Arash Markazi:
“I can put this to rest: They get along great,” Rivers told Fred Roggin of The Beast 980 on Thursday. “Clearly, like everybody, they don’t get along all the time, and they don’t get along with me all the time, either, by the way. I don’t see that as an issue. I think all three, and I’m including Blake in this as well, understand how important the other guy is to them.”
Paul’s hyper-competitive drive is no secret, and it wouldn’t be surprising if it rubbed some of his teammates, such as Jordan, the wrong way. While Jordan does have his faults as a player, defenders of his caliber don’t come around often. And it’s not always necessary for players to be friends, or even get along, off the court. What matters far more is that they’re professionals on it, and don’t let any personal issues effect their basketball chemistry.
That appeared to be the case this season with Paul and Jordan. If they can maintain that professional relationship, then what happens off the court really won’t matter.
(ESPN)