Los Angeles Clippers: Chris Paul's Injury Could Mean The End Of An Era

If Chris Paul’s latest injury keeps him from returning in the playoffs, we may have seen the end of an era for the Los Angeles Clippers

Injuries suck. Especially ones that mean so much more than missing a few games.

In the Los Angeles Clippers case, Chris Paul‘s latest injury could point to the end of an era. Early indications suggest that Paul will miss the remainder of the playoffs, assuming the Clippers don’t make a deep run without him in the lineup.

While swiping for the ball on defense, Paul broke his third metacarpal in his right hand. Essentially, that’s the bone you DON’T want to break in your hand.

More from Sir Charles In Charge

"[via ESPN]Paul will be re-evaluated Tuesday in Los Angeles, but team sources indicated that surgery will likely be needed and that the normal recovery time for the injury is anywhere from three to six weeks. Barring a better prognosis from new X-rays after swelling has subsided, Paul is unlikely to return this season."

With an extended recovery timeline, we may have seen the last of Paul for this season.

And, possibly, in a Los Angeles Clippers uniform.

Before the season, Doc Rivers hinted that this could be the final year that he was going to give this Clippers core. If they didn’t make a deep run in the playoffs – the trio of Paul, Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan haven’t made it passed the second round of the playoffs together – then it could be time for a change.

"[via Grantland]“We’re right on the borderline,” Doc Rivers tells Grantland during a long sit-down at his office. “I have no problem saying that. I’m a believer that teams can get stale. After a while, you don’t win. It just doesn’t work. We’re right at the edge. Oklahoma City is on the edge. Memphis, too. We just have to accept it.”"

Assuming that Paul doesn’t return this season and that the Clippers get bounced by the Trail Blazers or Warriors (in the next round), we may have seen the lasts of this current Clippers roster.

From when this team emerged in 2011-12, when Paul was acquired by the Clippers, to now, they’ve been a treat to watch. From Lob City to (Not) Lob City to potential NBA Title Contender.

If it does end, this was the best run for the Los Angeles Clippers as a franchise. Being one game away from the Western Conference Finals last season – before blowing a 3-1 series lead over the Houston Rockets – will forever be known as the “what if” season for this group.

Would they have beaten Golden State? Probably not. But we’ll never know. Now, even if the Clippers do advance to the second round, they won’t be healthy.

More sir charles in charge: Five HC Candidates That Make A Lot Of Sense For The Lakers

But we wait. What awaits the Los Angeles Clippers in the offseason? We don’t know for sure. One thing we do know, however, is that it won’t be good.

It’s the end of an era.

Los Angeles Clippers: Chris Paul’s Injury Could Mean The End Of An Era

By Michael Saenz | Apr 26, 2016

If Chris Paul’s latest injury keeps him from returning in the playoffs, we may have seen the end of an era for the Los Angeles Clippers

More from Sir Charles In Charge