The Los Angeles Clippers dismantled their core this offseason because, in the words of head coach Doc Rivers, the Big Three "didn't work."
Blake Griffin, a key member of that star trio, agrees it was time for a change in direction.
"You either win or you don't," he told ESPN's Sam Alipour. "And we didn't."
That isn't completely fair, as the Big Three propelled Los Angeles to success that was unprecedented for the franchise. Since acquiring Paul in a 2011 trade, the Clippers were one of the league's top regular-season teams, finishing no lower than second in their division and qualifying for the postseason all six years.
The issue for Griffin, however, is with his team's inability to advance past the Western Conference semifinals.
"What have we done in the last five, six years? Nothing," the five-time All-Star said. "We got to the second round."
He admitted it was difficult to give up on such a talented group, with Chris Paul, J.J. Redick, and Jamal Crawford all departing this summer.
"You never want to blow up something like that - you have All-Stars in CP and (DeAndre Jordan), great pieces like J.J. Redick, Jamal Crawford. But at the same time, we haven't had success, so a shake-up doesn't hurt."
With Paul joining the Houston Rockets via sign-and-trade, Griffin assumes the role of the club's undisputed leader. The five-time All-Star, who re-upped with the Clippers on a five-year, $173-million contract, said he's ready to make the leap.
"I've fully embraced that," he said. "This is my ninth year now; it's time to take on that role. ... (in the past) I led by example, but I'll be more outspoken this year."
He'll be tasked with trying to lead a largely unfamiliar bunch, as the Clippers enter the season with nine new faces - so many, in fact, that the team summoned all the players and had them announce their names to the rest of the group like it was the first day of school.
Even though the roster now lacks both continuity and a third star that seems necessary to contend for a title these days, Griffin expects to carry his club to the playoffs, and eventually to a title.
"I want to be a Hall of Famer, have an impact on my franchise, and you can do all of that by winning a championship," he said.
Griffin averaged 21.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 4.9 assists over 61 games in 2016-17. He's been working to become a better passer, 3-point shooter, and more reliable scorer in late-game situations.