Kendrick Perkins Says Chris Paul Is to Blame for Ugly NBA Exit: “We’re Not Gonna Hold CP3 Accountable?”
The Accusations
Perkins didn’t hold back. He laid out specific allegations about Paul’s behavior during his second stint with the Clippers:
“No one is bringing up how he went behind Ty Lue’s back in talking to the young fellas and undermining the coaching staff and basically telling the young guys not to listen to the coaches.”
According to Perkins, Paul crossed a line that veteran leaders are supposed to respect. His role should have been bridge-builder between players and coaches.
The On Court Evidence
“Then, all of a sudden, magically, when they do get rid of CP3, the Clippers go on a run? I think they went 17-5 in 22 games to get back in the thick of things.”
The timing is worth noting. After Paul was sent home in December, the Clippers surged back into playoff contention. Whether that was causation or coincidence, Perkins believes it validates the organization’s decision.
The Defense
Stephen A. Smith pushed back slightly, noting that Paul has denied going behind Lue’s back and that no public evidence has surfaced to confirm Perkins’ sources.
But even Smith acknowledged a fundamental truth about Paul’s 21-year career: he was never a silent passenger. He pushes buttons.
The Bigger Picture
The Clippers are no strangers to organizational drama. From Donald Sterling’s ownership scandal to years of playoff disappointments, the franchise has endured turbulence that would sink lesser teams.
Still, Perkins’ point resonates: Paul’s reputation as a demanding teammate has followed him everywhere. Houston. Oklahoma City. Phoenix. Golden State. San Antonio. Now back to L.A.
The Legacy Question
None of this changes Paul’s place in basketball history. He’ll be a first-ballot Hall of Famer in 2031. His jersey will hang somewher hopefully in New Orleans, where his career began, or in L.A., where “Lob City” defined an era.
Perkins’ question lingers: “We’re not gonna hold CP3 accountable?”
For some fans, the answer is no. Legacy matters more than exit. For Perkins, accountability matters most.