Marc Daigneault defends Chris Paul’s professionalism amid LA drama

OKLAHOMA CITY — In the midst of drama between Los Angeles The Clippers’ front office and Chris Paul are parting ways, Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault revealed what he will remember most about the future Hall of Fame point guard. Paul, who spent the 2019-20 season with the Thunder, has taken a leadership role among Oklahoma City’s young players, including reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Daigneault was an assistant coach at the time.

Before the game against the Dallas Mavericks, Daigneault discussed Paul’s impact during his short time in Oklahoma City during the Thunder’s head coaching meeting availability before the game.

“When he announced his retirement, somebody asked me about him a few weeks ago, and what I talked about is still his legacy with me — what I always think about — in the sleeper games of the regular season, midseason, midweek, road town, which are some unseen games, he’s ready to play,” Daigne said.

“Just the seriousness, the professionalism and the level he pushes himself to play to get ready to play an NBA game, it’s powerful when you’re around him.”

What Mark Daigneault will remember most about Chris Paul’s time with the Oklahoma City Thunder: pic.twitter.com/A0EkBrk9Kr

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For Daign, Paul set an example for his young players.

“I think it has an impact on the team. It has an impact on the other guys,” Daigneault added. “Obviously Shai and Lou were here, and who knows, to what extent, there’s a lot of things that can contribute to a player’s growth. But to see someone who’s had success come through here and approach him like that, it was hard not to notice when you’re around him.”

Marc Daigneault reflects on Chris Paul’s tenure with the Thunder

Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault reflected on Chris Paul following the announcement of the Hall of Fame guard’s retirement.

“One of the great point guards in the history of the game and one of the great players of this generation,” Daigneault said. “And he’s been here twice. He was here when the team moved here before the Thunder came here. Then he had a great resurgence season the year he was here. He just brought a professionalism, a willingness, a seriousness about his craft that was powerful every day.

“He’s a great example of what I mentioned with Chet (Holmgren). One night in some random NBA city in the middle of December on a Wednesday, he’s going to be ready to play. There’s just a high, high level of professionalism that he brings, and that’s what great players do,” Daigneault concluded.

Paul is reportedly in talks with the Clippers about his next move.