NBA: Paul believes blockbuster trade will benefit both Rockets, Clippers

Chris Paul  AP

NBA fans will definitely get some getting used to seeing Chris Paul donning the Houston Rockets’ colors.

The league’s premier playmaker opted for a change in scenery and left the Los Angeles Clippers, which he helped rise from obscurity for the past six seasons.

NBA: Paul goes from Clippers to Rockets in blockbuster deal

Speaking to Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated, a sports news site, the 32-year-old point guard shared how  the trade bodes well for both franchises.

“I feel like the last six years we’ve had a great run. I felt like it was not only a good time for change for me, but for the team, too,” he said.

The nine-time NBA All-Star also addressed the Clippers’ struggles to get over the hump throughout his tenure, with the team looking like contenders throughout the season only to burn out come playoff time.

“Everyone says, ‘We get killed. We can’t get there. We just can’t get over the hurdle.’ I felt like it was time for change,” he shared.

“I got an opportunity to grow here,” he added. “It’s unreal to think about the times that we had. We had some good runs.”

Furthermore, Paul downplayed the rumored nepotism between coach Doc Rivers and his son Austin, which pundits attribute to his exit in Los Angeles.

“Just like I called Blake (Griffin) and those guys, I called Austin,” he said. “I wish him the best of luck with what he has going on in the future. No, that report wasn’t true. If anything, Austin has grown up a lot and is getting better. I heard the report. It’s not worth responding to.”  Khristian Ibarrola /ra

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