I adore Chris Paul’s interviews because he frequently gives the classic “it’s just basketball” reaction, which makes you feel like you’re rolling your eyes inside. You know, the whole “You coaching?” backlash from Summer League? It took place during Summer League! Haha.
How can he defend opponents that are taller than him, much alone NBA players like Jayson Tatum? “I did ABC for XYZ years, man” — the transcript below has the real response to that. I understand, considering all the difficulties beat writers go through to accomplish their jobs (have I mentioned how difficult road trips are?), it’s quite nice of him to do that. And I’ll take Paul’s ideology over Jordan Poole’s “it’s huge” and “shy-eyed, eager to get out of the room” bland responses any day.
Although CP3 puts up a wall, the reporter is actually faced with the problem of dissecting the situation in a way that honors both the game of basketball and him as a Hall of Famer. Don’t only make a snap judgment. Utilize your credentials as a reporter to elevate the conversation, demonstrate that you completed your assignments, and, of course, break through that wall to demonstrate your ardor for the game of basketball.
And thus, props to Tim Kawakami of The Athletic for getting CP to elaborate on the pick-and-roll with Trayce Jackson-Davis within the framework of Stephen Curry’s flow state—not that it was a surprise. And on top of that, everyone got an exclusive view inside.
Trayce, since you’ve achieved your first double-double, have you formally given up the moniker “Baby T”?
Post-game Boston, Tracy Jackson-Davis: “I have, in fact. As Klay revealed it as soon as we entered the locker room, I believe I am now Trayce Jr.
