The Los Angeles Clippers continue to struggle after a 5-16 start that has been filled with off-court distractions.
The latest situation involving the team happened early Wednesday morning while the team was in Atlanta and Chris Paul shared on Instagram that he’s been “sent home.”
Clippers coach Tyronn Lue shared his thoughts on Paul’s departure ahead of Wednesday’s road game against the Atlanta Hawks.
“It just didn’t work out like we thought it would,” Lue said. “I don’t like it for CP, but it wasn’t a good fit. We understood that.”
The Clippers have lost eight of the last nine games, including five straight entering Wednesday.
“I don’t think we are 5-16 because of CP’s play,” Lue said. “I just don’t think it was a good fit for what he was looking for. It is what it is.”
Paul and Lue were said not to be on speaking terms for several weeks, according to ESPN.
The veteran guard was coming off the bench for L.A., playing just 16 of the first 21 games and averaging just 2.9 points and 3.3 assists per game in 14.3 minutes.
“Do I want CP to go out like this? No. I have a lot of respect for him and he’s been a friend of mine over the years,” Paul said. “You don’t want to see a great go out like this, but I’m sure he will find something because he’s a great player.”
Paul spent six seasons with the franchise from 2011-2017, reaching the All-Star game in each of those seasons.
He is the Clippers’ all-leader in total assists (4,076) and steals (2.1) per game.