Chris Paul Shouldn't Get Flak from Clippers for SI Photos with Bar Refaeli

Los Angeles Clippers star Chris Paul is set to appear in this year's Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue in a shoot with model Bar Refaeli. As tempting as it may be for his teammates to rib him, they should lay off the All-Star point guard.

According to Stiletto Jill of Yardbarker.com, Paul believes that his teammates are going to give him a hard time over the photos, which can be seen here. While they may think that CP3 is a little less than manly for participating, it probably all stems from jealousy on their part.

Paul looked like he may have been a little out of his element, but it's tough to blame him with one of the world's most gorgeous women hanging all over him. If Paul's teammates feel the need to give him flak, then he'll always have that comeback in the holster: "I had a half-naked photo shoot with Bar Refaeli and you didn't."

In the world of sports most male athletes try to keep up a macho persona of some kind. It's refreshing to see Paul depart from that to some extent. At the same time, though, there is no question that Paul can let his play on the court do the talking for him.

Teasing among teammates is a common practice in any sport, so it's understandable why Paul's Lob City pals might joke around with him. When it comes down to it, however, Blake Griffin and the boys have to have a ton of respect for CP3. Not only is he an elite NBA player, but he's also comfortable enough to put himself out there in an unnatural setting.

It isn't as if Paul was part of some low-profile publication either. Countless people see the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue every year, so Paul's photos will be out there for all to see. Also, he had to do his best to be professional since Refaeli is considered one of the best in the business for obvious reasons.

Joking among teammates is an age-old tradition, and it's always going to be prevalent. Hopefully Paul's teammates can appreciate his courage, though, rather than ridiculing him for trying something new and different.