Details are emerging of Chris Paul’s altercation with Jeff Van Gundy before he was sent home
The 2025-26 NBA season was a disastrous for the Los Angeles Clipperswho are currently 6-20 after a recent home loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. Two weeks ago, the Clippers made headlines when they fired point guard Chris Paul from the team unexpectedly during their journey.
Now, more details are coming to light what went into it that controversial exit, including Paul’s apparently strained relationship with assistant coach Jeff Van Gundy.
“Paul and Van Gundy somehow ended up side by side on the bench. It was the first game of five consecutive DNP-CDs. Neither man said a word in a long time,” ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne reported. “Eventually, Paul broke the awkward silence, grimly asking Van Gundy if he wasn’t talking to him. Van Gundy scoffed in response, multiple sources who witnessed the exchange said, questioning Paul’s seriousness.”
There was also an altercation between Paul and Van Gundy later in the season in which Paul claimed that he only suggested that Kawhi Leonard not defend Klay Thompson when the Clippers played against the Dallas Mavericks, while Van Gundy claimed that Paul forced the change himself.
“The interaction was brought up again to other players on the team over the summer, and sources said they later got back to the coaching staff and front office,” Shelburne reported.
Leonard took Paul’s side of the story, and soon after, Paul was let go from the team.
It remains to be seen if Paul will sign with another NBA team this season. Before leaving the Clippers, Paul made it known that this would be his last season in the NBA.
Either way, the Clippers will take the floor next on Thursday night for a tough game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
2025-12-16 23:49:00
