Clippers Face Early Season Turmoil as Chris Paul Benched
The Los Angeles Clippers’ rocky start to the season hit a new low on Saturday when they fell to the Phoenix Suns, marking their record at a disappointing 3-6. This early-season struggle is the worst the franchise has experienced under head coach Ty Lue, prompting him to make drastic decisions, including benching veterans Chris Paul and Bogdan Bogdanovic.
Benching Veterans Amid Struggles
Despite not being on the second night of a back-to-back, both Paul and Bogdanovic were labeled as DNP-Coach’s Decision for the game. This decision may appear justified given their lackluster performances, but the context of the Clippers’ current situation raises questions. With star forward Kawhi Leonard sidelined, the team faces significant offensive challenges, making it crucial to utilize Paul’s experience and playmaking skills.
The Case for Chris Paul
At 36 years old, Paul’s ability to contribute has come into question. He has averaged just 12.9 minutes per game this season, and his shooting percentages—24% from the field and 26.3% from beyond the arc—are alarming. However, his presence remains vital for the Clippers. Paul is one of the few players capable of creating shots, and without him, the offensive burden falls heavily on James Harden, who played over 40 minutes against the Suns.
Harden, despite being in the midst of an impressive season, is being pushed to his limits with a usage rate of 27.4%, significantly higher than during his previous stints. The Clippers also rely on Bradley Beal, who is currently under a minutes restriction and has not been in top form.
Offensive Limitations Without Paul
The absence of both Paul and Bogdanovic forced Kris Dunn into a more prominent role, but his offensive capabilities are limited. Compounding the issue, when Dunn, Derrick Jones Jr., and Ivica Zubac share the floor, it leaves the Clippers with three players who do not demand defensive attention. This lack of spacing has been detrimental, evidenced by an offensive rating of 113.5 against a Suns defense that is considered below average.
Even when Paul struggles, defenses still account for him. His ability to stretch the floor and facilitate ball movement keeps opposing defenses on guard. He remains adept at running the pick-and-roll, which can relieve pressure on Harden and create better scoring opportunities for teammates. Statistics show that the Clippers’ offensive efficiency drops significantly—by 22.9 points per 100 possessions—when Harden is off the floor.
Finding a Path Forward
As the Clippers navigate this tumultuous start, it’s clear that head coach Ty Lue must find a way to reintegrate Paul into the lineup, regardless of his recent form. The team’s success hinges on balancing the minutes and responsibilities of its veteran players, particularly in the absence of Leonard.
In a season fraught with challenges, the Clippers find themselves at a crossroads, needing all hands on deck to reclaim momentum and avoid further pitfalls.
