Both players respond to the Chris Paul situation: The training facility feels much quieter without him, and he held very high expectations for himself and his teammates.

On December 10th, the Clippers held a training session where Batum and Collins were interviewed by the media. Naturally, questions about Paul’s exit came up. Below are their specific replies —

Reporter: Have you been in contact with Chris since the situation unfolded? He was basically traded away, so was it somewhat uncomfortable at first? You mentioned before that you texted him, which suggests your relationship as teammates was still quite good at that time?

Batum: I have always respected him; playing 21 years in the league is no small feat. I’m also grateful to have been teammates with such an elite player and thankful for the experience we shared.

Reporter: There have been reports that some players in the team actually supported the organization's decision. It sounds like...

Batum: No one asked for my opinion. The whole team only woke up to the news suddenly. So, it is what it is — management’s decisions are beyond a player’s control. My focus is on doing my job well — playing basketball. I’m not someone who likes to get involved in these matters; I just concentrate on my responsibilities and avoid the drama. But honestly, seeing this situation is tough at times. No matter which side you look at, it’s not a good outcome. I can only wish Chris the best moving forward.

Reporter: I heard you’ve admired him since you entered the league. From your perspective, what kind of person is he? Did you two communicate more than usual during this difficult time?

Batum: Our relationship is indeed special, and we have kept in touch. I know that the coach has a tough job in this situation — dealing with constant injuries, frequent lineup changes, and trying to keep everyone motivated daily. But he’s done an excellent job, always finding new ways to inspire the team. Especially in the last two games, his in-game adjustments and motivation were outstanding. Every basketball career faces slumps; right now, we have to get through this together. I understand the fans are disappointed too, but I ask everyone to believe in us once more. We’ve overcome many challenges before, and we will get through this one as well.

Reporter: You mentioned during training camp that you appreciate the team’s high standards and accountability system. You also said Paul constantly pushed you, whether you liked it or not, and you were grateful for his strictness. How did you interact with him? What was your reaction when you heard he was leaving?

Collins: Clearly, for whatever reason, his time with the Clippers didn’t end as hoped. But he’s a veteran I’ve always admired — a fellow Wake Forest alum, a Clippers legend, and even before I was drafted, we had crossed paths. I have nothing but respect and well wishes for him; it’s just unfortunate things didn’t go as planned. I won’t go into details, but the gym feels noticeably quieter without him today. That’s all I have to say. I wish him the best in whatever path he chooses next.

Reporter: Since he left, have you kept in touch? Is he still part of your group chat?

Collins: I reached out to him proactively. We didn’t talk much, but I could tell he’s doing well — Chris rarely gets down emotionally. Like I said, I wish him all the best. For now, he needs to focus on himself, and we’ll reconnect when the time is right. I believe our bond remains unchanged.

Reporter: During training camp, you two mostly played in the second unit. What was it like training and playing alongside him?

Collins: He’s incredibly focused and a natural leader who wants everyone around him to improve. In practice, if our teamwork wasn’t at its best or if he sensed I was giving 95% instead of 100%, he’d immediately call it out. He demands a lot from himself and his teammates, always striving for excellence. For me, the biggest takeaway was following his lead and pushing myself to meet the high standards he set.