NBA Hall of Famer and NBC NBA analyst Carmelo Anthony didn't dance around his feelings when it came to the recent treatment of his good friend Chris Paul.
Hours after the Los Angeles Clippers abruptly released Paul, one of the greatest players in franchise history, Anthony used his “7PM in Brooklyn” podcast to deliver the strongest public defense Paul has received yet and the sharpest criticism of the Clippers' decision.
Anthony Defends Paul's Reputation and Legacy
Anthony pushed back hard on the idea that Paul had somehow failed the organization.
"What do you expect from Chris Paul right now to say that he's not delivering?" Anthony said. "You can't tell me CP is that disruptive to the point where I got to send him home, bro."
From Anthony's perspective, the move wasn't just surprising, it was disrespectful. His full unfiltered reaction painted the picture of a superstar stunned at how quickly the Clippers cut ties with the 40-year-old guard.
"The CP situation is a f’d situation. Imagine CP right now. He's embarrassed that my own organization that I brought back to relevance is sg on me. We ain't talking about what I'm doing right now or what have you done for me lately. You [expletive] with my legacy now."
Paul signed with the Clippers just four months ago intending to finish his career where he delivered the franchise's first real era of relevance. Instead, he was told to "go home" in the middle of a road trip after averaging only 14.6 minutes per game, a workload and production level that matched the reality of a 40-year-old rotational guard, not a franchise savior.
Inside the Clippers' Turmoil
The move even blindsided the locker room. Clippers’ All-star point guard James Harden admitted: "I'm just as confused and shocked as you guys, the world. Definitely surprised me."
Star forward Kawhi Leonard said he had to reread the news to make sure it was real.
Behind the scenes, multiple reports pointed to a communication breakdown. Paul and head coach Tyronn Lue had not spoken in weeks, and Paul's direct push for accountability was labeled "disruptive." That tension escalated until the Clippers released the 12-time All-Star after only 16 games.
The organization's messaging has been shaky since. President of Basketball Operations Lawrence Frank has attempted to steady the narrative, defending Lue and shifting the focus toward organizational direction rather than conflict.
Paul isn't just another veteran. He is the greatest player in Clippers history, the star who chose them over the Lakers in 2011, survived the Sterling scandal, and helped launch the franchise into the modern era under Steve Ballmer.
Now the Clippers are 6-16, in turmoil, and in danger of becoming the same punchline Paul once helped them escape. Anthony's message was simple: treat a legend like a legend. And in his eyes, the Clippers failed that test spectacularly.
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