Could this be the year of Chris Paul?
Long known as one of the elite guards the NBA has to offer, Paul has so far fallen short of winning prestigious individual awards and an NBA title.
At 30, the coming 2015-16 NBA season is perhaps a season where Paul could finally reap some of those achievements. But of the two, the more important may be an NBA title.
After settling the misunderstandings he had with DeAndre Jordan, the Clippers are indeed looking good heading into the season. Aside from Jordan, the Clippers have acquired Lance Stephenson and the ageless Paul Pierce, practically covering all bases that coach Doc Rivers feels are missing based on the team's performance from previous seasons.
But to make it all click, Paul will need to keep the team together. Being one of the elite court generals the NBA has today, a lot will hinge on how Paul will play.
He can score, dish and defend, pretty much everything that one would want from a basketball player. His size may be a handicap but he more than makes up for it with his speed and witty playmaking.
Paul has been the lone bright spot for the Clippers, churning in incredible performances every time.
But despite his showing, the Clippers have fallen short of reaching the NBA Finals and hopefully all that will change this year with the tweaks made by Clippers management.
The Clippers will however have to contend with other powers in the Western Conference, teams such as the San Antonio Spurs, Memphis Grizzlies and of course the defending champion Golden State Warriors.
If Paul and the Clippers can make a good account of themselves against the said teams, they maybe Paul can finally earn that ring and look to be feted with various individual awards as well.
Hence, Paul's talent is not the only thing needed for the Clippers to succeed; he also needs to get everyone on the same page – both on and off court.
