Los Angeles Clippers: Can Chris Paul Lead Both His Team And Union?

Jayne Kamin-Oncea – USA TODAY Sports

Chris Paul was elected President of the NBA Players Association late Wednesday afternoon, according to multiple media outlets. The role was decided at the annual players meetings in Las Vegas. The title was recently being considered by MVP and NBA it-guy LeBron James, who was also considered a front-runner.

Paul takes over a union that has displayed its fractured leadership as of late. Paul takes over for the departing Derek Fisher, whose tenure was cloaked in controversy. That controversy extended to a Los Angeles County lawsuit filed by former executive Billy Hunter, who alleges defamation and breach of contract against the Union and Fisher.

It was widely considered that veteran Roger Mason was the leading candidate as of this week, but Mason remains unsigned. He will instead serve as the union’s Vice President.

Chris Paul, who is entering his ninth season in the league and third with the Los Angeles Clippers seems ready for the challenge. “One of my top priorities is to get as much involvement as possible from our players … That’s what it’s about going forward.” Paul told USA Today.

Paul has inherited a mess at a point in his career where he may not be able to give it his full attention.

This is why taking this post is a terrible move. Can Paul really play championship basketball while taking on and resolving the union’s major issues? That is the same question LeBron asked himself before turning the job down. James knows what it’s about — and it’s all about the gold, baby. Paul is obviously a likable guy, as his gazillion commercials remind us. He also has the blessing and support of David Stern and deputy commissioner Adam Silver, who takes over for Stern Feb 1.

But it’s clear Paul can’t do both. His 16 points per game was a slight dip compared to his career numbers, and now he’s also going to stabilize a union mired in turmoil for the last 18 months? Paul displays a cool head on the court, but this new task is steep, all while having to lead a team many consider to be elite in the West.

As long as Paul displays his game face this season and not his Players Union ‘claim-face’, everything will be alright. Will the Clippers make it to the finals while Paul serves as President?

Karim Akbar is a Sacramento Kings writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Kuhreem , “Like” his RantSports page on Facebook or add him to your network on Google