Four-time All-Star point guard Chris Paul reported to the Clippers' Playa Vista training complex on Thursday, meeting his new teammates and even getting on the court during practice in his new white No. 3 jersey.
"I'm excited, this is exactly where I wanted to be," Paul told NBC LA. "I think it’s a great time to be a Clippers fan."
A day earlier, the Clippers acquired Paul in a bold four-player trade with New Orleans, outmaneuvering the Lakers and several other suitors.
"I can't really make a prediction of what we'll do but I can guarantee you that we'll work hard from day one. When everybody steps out on the floor we're going to compete—the guys on this team, that's how they're built," Paul said.
Blake Griffin says he's sad to lose teammates Eric Gordon, Chris Kaman and Al-Farouq Aminu in the deal, but the Rookie of the Year is looking forward to lining up with Paul and fellow newcomers Caron Butler and Chauncey Billups.
"The only thing I'm going to promise is that you're going to get our best every night," Griffin said. "When you hear 'the Clippers,' it's not going to be a joke anymore."
As for Paul, he's a big fan of Griffin.
"What can you say about Blake Griffin?" said Paul. "He's exciting to watch. I'm a fan of his to tell you the truth so it's going to be an adjustment period probably for me to stop just watching him and realize that I'm out there playing on the same court with him."
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