LA Clippers star says it’s an honor to play alongside Bradley Beal and Chris Paul

Bogdan Bogdanovic praises Bradley Beal and Chris Paul during tumultuous offseason

There’s no escaping the off-court drama casting a shadow over the Clippers’ offseason. Uncertainty lies ahead for their star player and owner amid their NBA investigation into Leonard’s alleged “no-show job”. 

But as the media storm swirls, Beal and Paul have worked hard to bring the team together as the start of the new season nears. That hasn’t gone unnoticed by their new teammate, Bogdan Bogdanovic.

He said to reporters, “It’s an honor to play with guys like Bradley Beal, Chris Paul. You can see the experience. They can help us out definitely. I have to say also, the young guys have been training hard. They’ve been pushing everybody else. We have to give them credit as well.”

Bogdanovic is gearing up for his second season with the Clippers after averaging 11.4 points per game last year. Paul is a renowned leader in the locker room, and can push Bogdanovic to the next level.

That’s the true value Paul brings to this team. He’s entering year 21, but can lend his experience to a franchise that hasn’t made the Finals in its history. 

And with everything happening with the Clippers this offseason, a steady hand on the court could be a saving grace.

LA Clippers need strong leadership to navigate media storm

The Clippers managed to shield their players from questions about Leonard at media day, but this will be something the players and coaches will have to address throughout the season.

Putting that out of their minds and focusing on the challenge in a stacked Western Conference will therefore be a daunting task. If they win, fans could grow frustrated about the reports surrounding Leonard. If they lose, they will be asked if it’s a distraction. There is no escaping it. 

However, Paul is no stranger to questions like these. He was with the Clippers during DeAndre Jordan’s contract saga back in 2015. The veteran guard knows how to handle the press. 

That could be an invaluable resource for the less experienced players on the roster. Paul’s ability to remain steadfast in the wake of a media storm could teach them valuable lessons in what is bound to be a difficult season.

In that sense, he’s worth his weight in gold.