All’s well that ends well is perhaps what best describes the alleged drama between DeAndre Jordan and Chris Paul and hopefully such would translate into something good.
Everyone is of course aware of that circus-ride which saw the Dallas Mavericks getting the raw end of it.
Jordan had verbally committed during NBA free agency to join the Dallas Mavericks, a place he believed needed him. Apparently Jordan felt that the Clippers lacked the interest in retaining him, seeing none of the players around when it was time to talk about his contract.
Then there was that reported rift that Jordan had with Chris Paul, someone who he believes was giving him a hard time and singling him out during games last season.
At that time, contracts weren’t binding and contract signings could only be done starting July 9. As the days neared, Jordan suddenly had doubts and the opening allowed the Los Angeles Clippers to cash in and try to avert losing Jordan who has been a Clipper ever since he entered the NBA.
This time, the Clippers made it a general family meeting. Everyone was there from Steve Ballmer, Doc Rivers, Blake Griffin and Chris Paul.
In the end, it seemed that the whole thing was a case of miscommunication and misunderstanding. Finally, Jordan understood how important he was and that was all she wrote. He wasn’t going anywhere and the Mavericks ended up in the losing end.
“DeAndre is like my … big little brother. We talk a lot more than people realize, but, it doesn’t matter. Only thing that matters is that he’s back,” said Paul before at the first Players' Awards at the Penn & Teller theater at the Rio Las Vegas
With that said rift all the under the table, Jordan and Paul must feel pretty good right now and hopefully such will result in a productive season for the Los Angeles Clippers.
Judging by their lineup at the moment, the Clippers are certainly one of the teams to watch out in the NBA Western Conference which is filled with new and souped up teams aching to get back on track.
Aside from Jordan, the Clippers have acquired Lance Stephenson and Paul Pierce, wingmen that should make it easier for Jordan to get his work done inside the shaded area.
Then there is the surprise addition of Josh Smith which should make the frontline of the Clippers all the more formidable heading into the 2015-16 NBA wars.
With all bases covered, the Clippers could be up there and give favoured teams such as the San Antonio Spurs, Memphis Grizzlies and the defending champion Golden State Warriors some stiff competition.
However, can their retooled lineup take them all the way to the NBA Finals? That remains to be seen.