Is gutting the team for CP3 worth it?

[TheGreatYacht]

He doesn't want Paul because it probably means losing Danny Green.

[coachmac87]

No, it's for his style of play. I ignored the players you listed, because we aren't talking about them. He has a better "outside game" than Parker, but Tony uses what he has more than Paul does. Westbrook is a chucker. Wall is almost as bad, but he's also much less differentiated, and he takes fewer (but still too many) unassisted threes.

Ok well what about the alternatives?? Hill, Holiday, Rose, Teague or any other Point you'd like to add to that list. With age and $$ aside you'd take one of those guys over Paul on the Spurs? If so...who?


And it's ok to admit it and pick Paul so we can move on and maybe talk about how Rasual Butler and Kevin Martin are enjoying retirement

[Chinook]

Blake is an interesting player. He and Kawhi would have a Melo/STAT or Lebron/Wade situation. At least the offense would be them taking turns creating rather than Kawhi being the only one who can do anything. Those two plus a savvy PG might be better. But I don't know if such a savvy PG is available. It would probably be someone with the best parts of Mills and Darren Collison.

[DMC]

If you gutted out Manu, Tony, Simmons, Green, Patty Mills and David Lee, you'd not have lost anything if you think you otherwise don't have enough to compete for a ring. So I would gut the Spurs for Chris Paul because you aren't going to have a prime Kawhi for but a few years. If you lose those years, like Pop put players around Tim for years, then you're just fools gold again until someone comes a calling for Kawhi or he gets some crazy hand injury.

[DMC]

Blake is an interesting player. He and Kawhi would have a Melo/STAT or Lebron/Wade situation. At least the offense would be them taking turns creating rather than Kawhi being the only one who can do anything. Those two plus a savvy PG might be better. But I don't know if such a savvy PG is available. It would probably be someone with the best parts of Mills and Darren Collison.

Blake has poor form and is overly reliant on his athleticism. Without a dominant big eating up paint he's just another jumping bean on the floor getting highlight dunks now and then, and shooting long 2's.

[Chinook]

Ok well what about the alternatives?? Hill, Holiday, Rose, Teague or any other Point you'd like to add to that list. With age and $$ aside you'd take one of those guys over Paul on the Spurs? If so...who?


And it's ok to admit it and pick Paul so we can move on and maybe talk about how Rasual Butler and Kevin Martin are enjoying retirement

It's hard to separate the money and age in a thread where we are talking about breaking up the roster to bring him in. Paul coming in with pretty much the same roster the team has now no Tony is one thing. I don't think he fits well with Kawhi and LMA, but I wouldn't complain. But people are saying you have to get Paul because he and Kawhi would make a dominant pairing, and that's just not true. They don't fit together.

That said, I don't think you clear the same decks for anyone else besides Wall or Curry. Part of being able to fit with Kawhi is NOT being a max-level star PG. You want a second option who knows how to be a second option and is paid as a second option.

[dabom]

Why is this even a ing thread?

You win with superstars. End story.

[DMC]

Yes, and I think Pop will want him to be. He's not going to tell Paul to play completely differently than he's always played. Now does that mean that Paul would be the leading scorer? No. But he would almost certainly have a higher usage than Kawhi.



You say that, but it's just like with LMA not playing as the big, strong guy he is. The Spurs needs him to be more assertive and less with of the jump-shooter he's been for years. The offense would be much better if he rolled and forced the issue inside and ducked in. But nope. Same . Wouldn't be any different with Paul. Pop's coming to him trying to add his game to the team. No reason to change.



This has nothing to do with Kawhi doing something wrong. This has everything to do with Paul wanting the ball and Kawhi needing the ball. If Leonard's shot is back, he'd probably be more efficient with Paul feeding him. But he's not going to do what he did in the playoffs. The Spurs need either a more balanced PG or a PG who moves the ball much faster than Paul does.

You're not going to find a more balanced PG than Chris Paul. He moves the ball just fine, but he doesn't have a lot to move it to. His court vision is top notch, and his awareness is really good outside of his hero antics in tight situations that often makes him look stupid. If you have CP3 and KL on the floor together with their level of defense, you'd have a problem scoring without dumping into the post. It would be fun to watch, but it's not going to happen.

KL doesn't need to be an isocentric player even though he's good at it. The Spurs won't win a ring until KL learns how to move without the ball better and be a part of the offense instead of just an isolation player. It's great to be able to do both, and he'll get it figured out but he needs a real PG to get him there. Tony isn't going to do it and Murray is too young. CP3 would elevate KL's game even more.

I think some here are afraid of KL losing some of the limelight, especially considering the situation in GS where Durant has usurped much of Curry's power.

[dabom]

Pop told Murray to watch tape of CP3. Obviously Pop knows his PGs.

[DMC]

It's hard to separate the money and age in a thread where we are talking about breaking up the roster to bring him in. Paul coming in with pretty much the same roster the team has now no Tony is one thing. I don't think he fits well with Kawhi and LMA, but I wouldn't complain. But people are saying you have to get Paul because he and Kawhi would make a dominant pairing, and that's just not true. They don't fit together.

That said, I don't think you clear the same decks for anyone else besides Wall or Curry. Part of being able to fit with Kawhi is NOT being a max-level star PG. You want a second option who knows how to be a second option and is paid as a second option.

Would you have thought Curry and Durant would fit together? Both ball dominant players, but they seem to do just fine.

[raybies]

Yes, and I think Pop will want him to be. He's not going to tell Paul to play completely differently than he's always played. Now does that mean that Paul would be the leading scorer? No. But he would almost certainly have a higher usage than Kawhi.

raybies: well yeah not completely differently but definitely differently to some degree with the proper adjustments and no Pop wouldn't want him to be the man, Kawhi is the man. I'm not buying that. LMA came from what a top 3 team in Portland similar to Paul, who hasn't been to a conference final, and had a rough first year and now look where he is at. Kawhi is just too good now and I think it's safe to say he is established as a top 3 player in the world. While you may be right about usage, I would imagine the margin would be very slim.

You say that, but it's just like with LMA not playing as the big, strong guy he is. The Spurs needs him to be more assertive and less with of the jump-shooter he's been for years. The offense would be much better if he rolled and forced the issue inside and ducked in. But nope. Same . Wouldn't be any different with Paul. Pop's coming to him trying to add his game to the team. No reason to change.



This has nothing to do with Kawhi doing something wrong. This has everything to do with Paul wanting the ball and Kawhi needing the ball. If Leonard's shot is back, he'd probably be more efficient with Paul feeding him. But he's not going to do what he did in the playoffs. The Spurs need either a more balanced PG or a PG who moves the ball much faster than Paul does.

raybies: There are no other options available that are worth it and please don't say Jrue or George who are gonna demand the max or near it. Paul would actually be fine. We don't want to outgun teams, cause that's the Warriors strength and not ours. Sure in spurts but nothing like games 3 and 4 when we had no option to. He fits because against a team like the Warriors and Cavs you can control the pace and out execute the Warriors and limit their possessions. He would make our halfcourt offense better imo. Other PG options aren't elite offensively and Lowry if you go there, comes up smaller than what CP3 gets called out for.

But as for Paul wanting the ball, LMA did too. Sometimes great players defer to greater players man. Durant was iso heavy in OKC and then bought in with GS culture and game. It works. I have no doubt that Paul can adjust to win, especially if he's will to move, sacrifice tons of money, and leave longstanding relationships...

[Clipper Nation]

Blake has poor form and is overly reliant on his athleticism. Without a dominant big eating up paint he's just another jumping bean on the floor getting highlight dunks now and then, and shooting long 2's.

Fat Hands with another atrocious take, per par. It's clear you haven't watched Blake play since, like, 2012 at the latest. The knock on him nowadays is that he doesn't use his athleticism enough anymore. He'd rather "save himself for the playoffs" by shooting lots of soft jumpers instead. Those highlight dunks used to be a nightly occurrence for Blake, now we're lucky to see a handful of them in an entire season.

Blake has a full offensive repertoire; he even started making threes down the stretch of this season. This is despite the fact that he's not playing next to a "dominant big." DJ is one of the most overrated players in the NBA. He is a non-factor on offense and there are much better defensive centers in the league.

[raybies]

Fat Hands with another atrocious take, per par. It's clear you haven't watched Blake play since, like, 2012 at the latest. The knock on him nowadays is that he doesn't use his athleticism enough anymore. He'd rather "save himself for the playoffs" by shooting lots of soft jumpers instead. Those highlight dunks used to be a nightly occurrence for Blake, now we're lucky to see a handful of them in an entire season.

Blake has a full offensive repertoire; he even started making threes down the stretch of this season. This is despite the fact that he's not playing next to a "dominant big." DJ is one of the most overrated players in the NBA. He is a non-factor on offense and there are much better defensive centers in the league.

Agree wholeheartedly here. You can get the same stuff from a player like Dedmon at a fraction of the cost. Have no idea why he got maxed. Doc scared of losing players imo.

Dallas gonna do the same thing with Nerlens Noel... dang

[TD 21]

If the choice is Paul or no PG, then that's one thing. But there are other options. If Pop is not going to move Parker to make most of the necessary salary to get Paul, I don't think it's worth it.

One of two things is true: Either the Spurs had a horrible core and Kawhi managed to do pretty easily what Paul has never been able to do with his own core, or the Spurs' core doesn't such an managed to do what Paul has never been able to do. Either one should give the team pause when it comes to giving up a lot to get Paul. Kawhi will not be the first All-NBA player Paul's played with. So to think you can just fill in the cracks around him is fallacy.

It's going to take the right guys to make it work.

- He's never played on top 2 team in conference and only in '15, when fatigue/injury limited Spurs, injury eliminated Thunder and Clippers squandered 3-1 lead to inferior Rockets, should he have made Conference Finals.

- In history of league, small guard led teams generally don't win deep in playoffs.

- Leonard doesn't "need ball" because he's elite shooter, who'd get more catch-and-shoot spot ups playing with elite play maker.

- Other options would require at least somewhat significant movement, are significantly worse and wouldn't move needle.

- Can't have everything. Most important is star studded big three (he'd make things so much easier for Aldridge on offense).

[HarlemHeat37]

Gutting the team wouldn't be an issue, tbh..many posters here thought the Warriors were stupid for letting go their role players in favor of Durant(a faaaaarrrrr better player than Chris Paul) Spurs only have 1 irreplaceable player on the roster, everybody else is expendable..

The problem with getting Paul is that he's somewhat of a cancer, on the court..not just stylistically, but his teammates don't enjoy playing with him(Blake, Jordan, Big Baby Davis, etc)..he's completely incapable of playing off the ball..you'd be handing the keys to a 6-foot tall, aging PG who needs the ball in his hands and would turn Kawhi into a secondary player..many Paul defenders keep spewing the garbage that Paul could accept a supporting role, but his style of play would make it impossible, as anybody who has watched him play should know..

I was surprised that Kenyon Martin stated the same thing a few weeks ago, maybe the mainstream media outlets are finally discussing and accepting Paul's major flaws, as a player, rather than shielding him like they have done his entire career..

Oh, and of course, the Warriors absolutely own him..

[cd98]

Here's my issues:

1. Gut team for CP3 and whatever roster is still not good enough to beat the Warriors.

2. We will have a ton of cap space next year without taking on an aging Paul to make a strong push for free agents and be more selective on who we keep vs. dump.But we sign Chris, and bye cap space to 33 year old PG.

[SAGirl]

Blake has poor form and is overly reliant on his athleticism. Without a dominant big eating up paint he's just another jumping bean on the floor getting highlight dunks now and then, and shooting long 2's.

What do you call Lamarcus... bc that is my scenario. I would switch him up with Lamarcus.

[dabom]

CP3 is all heart. What i saw game 7. Tore something. Contemplating the season ending on the bench. Came out injured and tore up the Spurs a new one. Any one questioning his commitment is a got per par.

[dabom]

CP3 is my favorite non-Spur after that series.

[TD 21]

Gutting the team wouldn't be an issue, tbh..many posters here thought the Warriors were stupid for letting go their role players in favor of Durant(a faaaaarrrrr better player than Chris Paul) Spurs only have 1 irreplaceable player on the roster, everybody else is expendable..

The problem with getting Paul is that he's somewhat of a cancer, on the court..not just stylistically, but his teammates don't enjoy playing with him(Blake, Jordan, Big Baby Davis, etc)..he's completely incapable of playing off the ball..you'd be handing the keys to a 6-foot tall, aging PG who needs the ball in his hands and would turn Kawhi into a secondary player..many Paul defenders keep spewing the garbage that Paul could accept a supporting role, but his style of play would make it impossible, as anybody who has watched him play should know..

I was surprised that Kenyon Martin stated the same thing a few weeks ago, maybe the mainstream media outlets are finally discussing and accepting Paul's major flaws, as a player, rather than shielding him like they have done his entire career..

Oh, and of course, the Warriors absolutely own him..

Again, it's not without potential issues and they'd still be underdogs obviously, but the question I keep coming back to is this: What's the alternative that gives them a better chance at a championship in the foreseeable future? No one has an answer because there isn't one.

At "Warriors own him". James supposedly "owned" Durant until context changed. Paul would have a lot of things with Spurs he never has with Clippers. Maybe he'd still never ring, but I have no doubt he'd acquit himself fine against them in this situation.

[DMC]

What do you call Lamarcus... bc that is my scenario. I would switch him up with Lamarcus.

You won't go far with either. I'd take a couple guys half that price who hustle and can learn to shoot. You aren't getting out of the West with Blake as your big.

[HarlemHeat37]

Again, it's not without potential issues and they'd still be underdogs obviously, but the question I keep coming back to is this: What's the alternative that gives them a better chance at a championship in the foreseeable future? No one has an answer because there isn't one.

At "Warriors own him". James supposedly "owned" Durant until context changed. Paul would have a lot of things with Spurs he never has with Clippers. Maybe he'd still never ring, but I have no doubt he'd acquit himself fine against them in this situation.

Such as? Kawhi? Maybe, but I have no reason to believe that he would be as effective with "dribble, dribble, dribble, dribble, dribble" at PG..

Are we going to pretend like the Clippers weren't considered West favorites or at least co-favorites by a large % of pundits from 2013 to 2016? Because they absolutely were and it wouldn't be difficult to prove it..he's not Cavs' Lebron, he's had loaded teams..

[dabom]

I fail to remember if he's ever had an allstar wing or guard. Isn't that what "today's league" is about?

[TD 21]

Such as?

- Someone better than him
- Superstar wing
- If Green retained over Parker, multiple 3 and D wings
- Young talent, replete with all picks (1 would be dumped if Parker moved though) and front office with track record of unearthing gems
- Starting big adept at pick-and-pop and playing beyond elbows (though Griffin just started to get to this point last season)
- No drama or soap opera, at least publicly

Clippers were never considered favorites by anyone knowledgeable and were never loaded. They've always been 4th-5th best team, which makes them fringe contenders.

Stop evading my question about alternative that gives Spurs better championship chance in foreseeable future . . .

[HarlemHeat37]

Another one of Chris Paul's former teammates that hated playing with him



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