Lessons from CP3's Unceremonious Exit from the Clippers

Lessons from CP3's Unceremonious Exit from the Clippers

From Running It Back by Palmer Media

December 29, 2025 · 34 min · Season 6 · Episode 87

About this episode

The episode discusses Chris Paul's exit from the Clippers and the implications for team dynamics and leadership styles in basketball.

The latest episode of Running It Back dives into the "unceremonious" exit of Chris Paul from the Los Angeles Clippers, a move Mike Palmer views as a masterstroke in locker room management. Mike and Tarlin Ray are joined for the first time by Isaac Tellechea, the newest addition to the Running It Back team who will be helping behind the scenes and joining the occasional taping. Isaac jumps right into the fire, offering a Miami Heat fan’s perspective on what real veteran leadership looks like versus the "Too Alpha" style that might be holding CP3 back in his twilight years. The trio debates whether Chris Paul’s legendary high expectations have crossed the line into toxicity. Tarlin, the resident "Chris Paul Apologist," argues that a 6-foot point guard who controls the game with a legendary IQ deserves a sunset tour. Mike, however, isn't buying the "Point God" narrative without a championship ring to back it up, suggesting that CP3’s rigid style makes him less of a leader and more of a "ball-dominant" force that can eventually alienate a roster. The conversation covers the aging Clippers roster and the friction caused when Paul reportedly tried to switch defensive assignments for…

People in this episode

Hosts: Mike Palmer, Tarlin Ray

Guest: Isaac Tellechea

Topics covered

  • Chris Paul
  • Los Angeles Clippers
  • veteran leadership
  • locker room management
  • basketball strategy
  • team dynamics

Keywords

  • Chris Paul
  • Clippers
  • veteran leadership
  • basketball
  • team dynamics
  • locker room management
  • Kawhi Leonard
  • Jeff Van Gundy

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Los Angeles Clippers

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