CP3's Shadow: Clippers Roster Evolution Since Chris Paul's Departure

Jul 22, 2025

CP3's Shadow: How the Clippers Roster Has (and Hasn't) Evolved Since Chris Paul's Departure

The summer of 2017 marked a significant turning point for the Los Angeles Clippers. After six seasons of ‘Lob City’ excitement, punctuated by playoff disappointments, Chris Paul, the team's floor general and undeniable leader, was traded to the Houston Rockets. This trade not only reshaped the Clippers' immediate future but also cast a long shadow that the organization has been grappling with ever since. This article delves into the Clippers' roster evolution since CP3's departure, analyzing their strategies, successes, failures, and the lingering influence of his era.

The End of Lob City: A Necessary Divorce?

The Chris Paul era in Los Angeles was undeniably successful in terms of regular-season wins. The Clippers consistently ranked among the top teams in the Western Conference. However, the playoff narrative was one of repeated heartbreak. Injuries, internal strife, and untimely collapses became synonymous with the ‘Lob City’ Clippers. While Paul's leadership and playmaking were invaluable, the team ultimately failed to reach its championship aspirations. The question then becomes, was moving on from CP3 a necessary step for the Clippers to eventually reach the promised land?

Insiders and analysts debated this point extensively. Some argued that the Clippers were simply a few tweaks away from contending. Others believed that the core of Paul, Blake Griffin, and DeAndre Jordan had reached its ceiling and a change was imperative. Looking back, the decision to trade Paul, while difficult, provided the Clippers with an opportunity to rebuild and re-evaluate their approach to team building.

The Trade Package: What Did the Clippers Get in Return?

The Clippers received a substantial package from the Houston Rockets in exchange for Chris Paul. This package included:

Patrick Beverley: A tenacious defender and gritty competitor who quickly became a fan favorite in Los Angeles.
Lou Williams: A prolific scorer off the bench who provided instant offense and became a Sixth Man of the Year winner.
Montrezl Harrell: An energetic and athletic big man who developed into a valuable contributor and eventual Sixth Man of the Year himself.
Sam Dekker: A promising young forward who, unfortunately, did not pan out as expected.
Draft Considerations: The Clippers also acquired a first-round pick, which they later used in other trades.

While none of these players possessed Paul's star power or playmaking ability, they offered the Clippers a different identity – one built on grit, depth, and offensive versatility. This trade, in essence, shifted the Clippers from a top-heavy team reliant on star power to a deeper, more balanced roster.

The Post-CP3 Era: Initial Adjustments and Rebuilding

The immediate aftermath of the Paul trade saw the Clippers adopt a more egalitarian offensive system. Without a dominant point guard dictating the pace, the team relied on ball movement and player empowerment. Lou Williams thrived in this environment, showcasing his scoring prowess and earning the Sixth Man of the Year award in 2018 and 2019. Patrick Beverley's defensive intensity and leadership provided a much-needed edge. Montrezl Harrell's energy and athleticism made him a valuable interior presence.

However, the Clippers were still in a state of flux. Blake Griffin was traded to the Detroit Pistons in January 2018, further signaling a shift in the organization's long-term plans. This trade brought Tobias Harris to Los Angeles, adding another scoring threat to the roster. The Clippers, under the guidance of coach Doc Rivers, managed to remain competitive, even exceeding expectations by making the playoffs in 2019 as an eighth seed. This improbable playoff berth, largely fueled by the team's relentless effort and team chemistry, was viewed by many as a testament to the organization's resilience and coaching staff's ability to maximize player performance.

The Kawhi Leonard and Paul George Era: A New Superteam

The summer of 2019 brought a seismic shift to the NBA landscape, and the Clippers were at the epicenter. After years of rebuilding and asset accumulation, the Clippers landed two of the biggest free agents on the market: Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. Leonard, fresh off leading the Toronto Raptors to their first NBA championship, chose to sign with the Clippers. George was acquired via trade from the Oklahoma City Thunder, completing the transformation of the Clippers into a legitimate championship contender.

The arrival of Leonard and George marked a new era for the Clippers. The team instantly became one of the favorites to win the NBA title. The roster was now filled with star power, depth, and defensive versatility. The Clippers had seemingly shed the baggage of the ‘Lob City’ era and emerged as a force to be reckoned with.

Comparing the Point Guard Play: CP3 vs. The Revolving Door

One of the most significant differences between the Clippers team led by Chris Paul and the post-CP3 teams has been the point guard position. Paul was a traditional point guard, known for his elite playmaking, floor generalship, and clutch performances. In contrast, the Clippers since Paul have used a variety of players at the point guard position, including Patrick Beverley, Milos Teodosic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (before his trade), and even wings like Reggie Jackson and Norman Powell at times.

This revolving door at point guard has had both advantages and disadvantages. On the one hand, it has allowed the Clippers to be more versatile and unpredictable on offense. They can deploy different lineups and adjust their game plan based on matchups. On the other hand, it has lacked the consistency and leadership that Paul provided. The Clippers have struggled at times to execute their offense effectively and close out games, especially in the playoffs. The consistent and deliberate nature that CP3 brought to the game was often missing.

Consider the following points:

**Playmaking:** Paul is widely regarded as one of the best playmakers in NBA history. His ability to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates was unmatched. While the post-CP3 Clippers have had players who can pass and distribute the ball, they haven't had a true floor general of Paul's caliber.
**Leadership:** Paul's leadership was instrumental in shaping the ‘Lob City’ Clippers. He set the tone on both ends of the court and held his teammates accountable. The Clippers have lacked that type of vocal leadership since his departure. While players like Beverley and Leonard have provided leadership in their own way, they haven't filled the void left by Paul.
**Clutch Performance:** Paul was known for his ability to perform under pressure. He consistently made clutch shots and smart decisions in critical moments. The Clippers have struggled to find a consistent closer since Paul's departure. Leonard has shown flashes of brilliance in clutch situations, but he hasn't been as consistent as Paul was.

Doc Rivers' Departure and the Ty Lue Era

Despite the acquisition of Leonard and George, the Clippers failed to meet expectations in the 2020 playoffs. They blew a 3-1 lead to the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Semifinals, leading to Doc Rivers' departure as head coach. This was a huge blow to the team, as Rivers was well-respected by players and fans alike. But even with his experience, he couldn't seem to get the team past its playoff demons.

Ty Lue was hired as Rivers' replacement, bringing a fresh perspective and a reputation for being a player's coach. Lue implemented a more modern offensive system that emphasized three-point shooting and player movement. He also focused on improving the team's defense and communication. He sought to build a stronger team dynamic.

Injuries and Inconsistency: The Ongoing Struggle

Since the arrival of Leonard and George, the Clippers have been plagued by injuries and inconsistency. Both players have missed significant time due to various ailments, disrupting the team's rhythm and chemistry. The Clippers have struggled to maintain a consistent level of performance, often alternating between stretches of brilliance and stretches of mediocrity. Injuries have truly been the bane of their existence.

This has led to a constant shuffling of lineups and roles, making it difficult for the team to establish a clear identity. The Clippers have also struggled to find consistent contributions from their role players, further exacerbating their inconsistency issues. The lack of availability from their star players has made it increasingly difficult to develop a strong team identity and build consistency.

The Rise of the Phoenix Suns and Denver Nuggets: The Evolving Western Conference Landscape

The Clippers' struggles have coincided with the rise of other contenders in the Western Conference, most notably the Phoenix Suns and Denver Nuggets. The Suns, led by Chris Paul (ironically), have emerged as a dominant force, reaching the NBA Finals in 2021. The Nuggets, led by Nikola Jokic, have also become a perennial contender, showcasing their offensive firepower and team chemistry.

These developments have made the Western Conference even more competitive, further increasing the pressure on the Clippers to perform. The Clippers must overcome their injury issues and find a way to consistently compete at a high level if they want to contend for a championship. The margin for error in the Western Conference has become razor thin, making every game and every decision critical.

The Trade for James Harden: A Desperate Attempt to Escape the Shadow?

In a bold move during the 2023-2024 season, the Clippers traded for James Harden, adding another high-scoring superstar to the roster alongside Leonard, George, and Russell Westbrook. This trade was widely viewed as a win-now move, aimed at finally breaking through and winning a championship. However, the fit has been questionable, and the early returns have been mixed.

The Clippers' decision to trade for Harden was, in many ways, a desperate attempt to escape the shadow of Chris Paul and finally achieve the championship success that has eluded them for so long. The move was a gamble, as it required significant roster adjustments and a willingness to sacrifice some depth and flexibility. However, the Clippers believed that the potential reward – a championship – was worth the risk.

Assessing the Harden Experiment

The James Harden experiment in Los Angeles has been met with mixed reactions. While Harden's individual talent is undeniable, his fit alongside Leonard, George, and Westbrook has been a subject of debate. The Clippers have struggled at times to integrate Harden into their offense, leading to inconsistent performances and questionable chemistry.

Key factors in assessing the Harden experiment include:

**Offensive Fit:** Can Harden effectively share the ball with Leonard, George, and Westbrook? Can the Clippers find a way to maximize all four players' strengths while minimizing their weaknesses?
**Defensive Impact:** Harden has never been known for his defensive prowess. Can the Clippers compensate for his defensive deficiencies and maintain a high level of team defense?
**Playoff Performance:** Ultimately, the success of the Harden trade will be judged by the Clippers' performance in the playoffs. Can Harden elevate his game in the postseason and help lead the Clippers to a championship?

The Lingering Influence of CP3: What the Clippers Learned

Despite the roster changes and the passage of time, the influence of Chris Paul still lingers in the Clippers organization. The Clippers learned valuable lessons during the CP3 era, both on and off the court. They learned about the importance of leadership, accountability, and attention to detail. They also learned about the challenges of building a championship team and the importance of managing egos and expectations.

Specifically, the Clippers learned that:

**Star Power is Not Enough:** The ‘Lob City’ Clippers were undeniably talented, but they lacked the necessary cohesion and mental toughness to win a championship. The Clippers have since prioritized building a more balanced roster with players who complement each other's strengths.
**Team Chemistry Matters:** The Clippers have placed a greater emphasis on team chemistry and player relationships. They have sought to acquire players who are willing to sacrifice individual statistics for the good of the team.
**Playoff Experience is Crucial:** The Clippers have recognized the importance of playoff experience and have sought to add players who have proven themselves in high-pressure situations.

The Future of the Clippers: Can They Finally Win a Championship?

The future of the Clippers remains uncertain. The team has the talent to contend for a championship, but they must overcome their injury issues, improve their consistency, and find a way to maximize the potential of their star-studded roster. The Harden trade represents a significant gamble, but it could ultimately be the move that finally pushes the Clippers over the top.

To finally win a championship, the Clippers need to:

**Stay Healthy:** Leonard and George must stay healthy and available for the majority of the season.
**Develop Chemistry:** The Clippers must continue to develop chemistry and cohesion, particularly with Harden integrated into the lineup.
**Improve Defense:** The Clippers must improve their defense and become a more consistent force on that end of the court.
**Find Consistent Role Players:** The Clippers need to find consistent contributions from their role players to provide support for their stars.
**Embrace Toughness**: The clippers need to embrace the toughness that Chris Paul embodied, becoming gritty and resilient in the face of adversity.

Conclusion: Escaping the Shadow

The Clippers' journey since Chris Paul's departure has been a rollercoaster ride. They have experienced periods of rebuilding, periods of excitement, and periods of disappointment. They have made bold moves in an attempt to contend for a championship, but they have yet to achieve their ultimate goal. Whether or not they have truly escaped CP3's shadow remains to be seen. However, the Clippers have learned valuable lessons along the way and have positioned themselves to be a contender for years to come. The narrative continues to unfold, and the Clippers' quest for a championship remains one of the most compelling stories in the NBA.