Chris Paul and Blake Griffin have never come across as best friends, and they most likely never will. But the idea that they actively dislike each other is completely, utterly kaput.
As Paul told USA Today‘s Sam Amick, the two are closer than they’ve ever been:
“Oh, no question (it’s) better now than ever,” Paul told me on Friday. “Like I’m saying, we both have matured so much, and our communication is amazing right now, so sometimes it takes time. That’s what (happened) with me and BG, and there’s nothing like it right now. We are having some of the most fun that we’ve had in our time together.”
Fun is good, especially when it’s translating onto the court, which it is.
Fun, in this case, might even save the Los Angeles Clippers’ core.
Both Griffin and Paul will be free agents at season’s end (early termination options) meaning both must, ostensibly, decide whether they enjoy playing together. Many saw this pairing as stale by last season’s end, even with Griffin’s injuries. Some might even feel the same way now.
But, currently, the Clippers are the best team in basketball. If they legitimately contend with the Golden State Warriors during the regular season and playoffs, as they are on pace to do, it’ll be tough for either of their two best players to dissolve a partnership that has never paid more dividends than it is now.
