In three preseason games, LA Clippers legend Chris Paul played 17+ each night and even eclipsed 20 in the eight-point loss versus the Denver Nuggets. On the contrary, through eight regular-season games, he is averaging 12.9. Thus, the decrease is not because Tyronn Lue does not trust him in matters that can make a difference in standings, but because he is a liability on both sides of the ball.
Fans of the Clippers genuinely love Paul for who he was and who he is. He is a well-respected figure on every street in LA and is genuinely one of the smartest players the game has ever seen, on and off the court.