Earlier this week, the Los Angeles Clippers sent shockwaves throughout the NBA world by releasing their newly acquired point guard, Chris Paul, during what seemed to be a farewell tour for the 21-year veteran.
This came as a surprise to the NBA community, as Paul had just been signed by the Clippers a few months earlier. Reports quickly followed, stating that Paul and ownership "weren't a good fit." In a recent interview on the Run it Back Podcast, former teammate Lou Williams said that Paul's departure wasn't due to poor play; it was because of the growing tension between Paul and head coach Tyronn Lue.
It also came to light that Paul and Lue didn't speak to each other in the three weeks leading up to Paul's release, signaling that this farewell tour may've ended before it ever had any legs to stand on.
Many fans and players alike, however, are hoping that this isn't the last that we've seen of CP3 in the NBA. Lou Williams also alluded in the interview that Chris Paul was "at peace" with the situation, hinting that Paul may be considering an early retirement this season.
Other NBA personalities, on the other hand, still see Chris Paul playing a viable role on a championship roster. Chandler Parsons, in the same interview with the Run it Back Podcast, stated that Chris Paul would mesh well with other contenders, such as the Houston Rockets and Detroit Pistons.
However, his best fit is with a team eager to make a splash right now. The Atlanta Hawks, who are still without their star Trae Young, are lacking point guard depth and veteran presence. Chris Paul offers stability in both of these categories, and outside of this one tumultuous end with the Clippers, many coaches and players alike all look at Chris Paul as a chemistry builder, not a destroyer.
Chris Paul is the last piece for a well-rounded Atlanta offense
Not only does Chris Paul bring a veteran presence to this young Hawks roster, but his knowledge and understanding of the game would instantly boost Atlanta's young players' development. His knowledge of the rules and his experience in late-game execution instantly propel this offense into something it never would've had the opportunity to become.
Additionally, Chris Paul wouldn't be asked to do too much, unlike the role he was being asked to play in LA. Paul would most likely be the spiritual leader of the bench, playing a maximum of 10 minutes a night (assuming a full-strength lineup), which would maximize both his strengths and his health.
Unlike the other teams in the CP3 Sweepstakes right now, Chris Paul actually gives Atlanta something they've been needing for a while: a voice. While all teams share a mutual respect for Paul as a player, there are few organizations that need his leadership more than the Atlanta Hawks.
With all of the young players in Atlanta still settling into their respective roles, a veteran mediator like Paul could offer this team a world of clarity in a time where their future with Trae Young is uncertain. Young, who is set to return from his MCL injury later this month, still has questions surrounding him and his future in Atlanta. For the developing players still looking for their mentor, Chris Paul offers the perfect remedy.
This interest may go both ways as well, as Chris Paul may be looking for a different place to rewrite the ending to his storied career. Retirement talks are all just speculation at the current moment, and for a team still climbing for playoff stability, a veteran like Chris Paul would give Atlanta their best chance to finally find playoff success.