“A lot of times guys don’t accept that very well” — Antonio Daniels defends Chris Paul from fans and players criticizing his leadership
Chris Paul and DeAndre Ayton
© Mark J. Rebilas - USA TODAY Sports
After watching Chris Paul for 17 years, one thing we can all agree about is that he is a natural-born leader. And though he couldn’t cop a single championship with any team he has played for, “CP3” has undeniably helped each of those franchises achieve something memorable.
A vocal leader
In the NBA, being a leader comes in various forms, and as for Paul, it’s pretty evident that he’s an outspoken type. Having been a vocal leader, Paul would sometimes clash with his teammates. (Just ask can ask his former Houston Rockets co-star James Harden about that.)
But no matter how we slice it, “CP3” could really lead a squad. And while some were not happy about his commendable trait, some appreciated it a lot. Among them was Paul’s former New Orleans Hornets teammate Antonio Daniels.
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According to Daniels, Paul truly knows the X’s and O’s, and he would always tell it straight to your face if you’re not doing good. And “a lot of times,” players hated it.
“When I played with CP in New Orleans, the thing I loved about him is – and this is what leadership is,” Daniels told Heavy Live With Scoop B in 2020. “He holds you accountable. When you don’t do what you’re supposed to do and you’re not where you’re supposed to be, he’ll tell you about that and a lot of times guys don’t accept that very well.”
Daniels was telling the truth
Apparently, Daniels was speaking facts about Paul as his fellow NBA veteran Kenyon Martin also said the same thing about NBA’s so-called “Point God.”
K-Mart echoed Daniels’ comments and said that Paul indeed is an imposing leader. But unlike Daniels, Martin appeared to be one of those guys who didn’t like it about “CP3.”
“People have heard these things before about Chris Paul, not only from me but other teammates… He always wants to be the biggest voice in the room when it comes to basketball and I think that rubs guys the wrong way,” Martin said.
Daniels’ and Martin’s testimonials about Paul only prove that in basketball, no matter how great of a leader you are, not all would be fond of you. Sadly for “CP3,” his critics will be somehow relevant as long as the media welcomes it, and he could just hope that all those negativities would vanish if he finally wins a championship ring.
