Kawhi Leonard demanded the Los Angeles Clippers acquire Paul George in the summer of 2019 before even signing with the franchise. Five years later, George is on the Philadelphia 76ers while Leonard is trying to keep the Clippers competitive around a new core of players. Despite George’s departure, Kawhi made it clear at Clippers media day that he doesn’t think George’s departure will increase his workload or role.
“I don’t feel like it’s going to be harder for me personally. For anybody I’m on the court with, I don’t look at him to be my savior. I take my own role and the challenges that I have to face each and every game, then try to dominate the game. With that being said, I don’t think my mindset is going to change.”
Leonard averaged 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.6 assists last season, suffering a knee injury in March which ultimately caused him to miss four out of six Playoff games in the first round, with the Clippers losing both games Leonard managed to play in.
The Clippers’ refusal to pay George a max contract allowed the forward to join the 76ers, where he got more money and a better chance at winning a title. While the salary relief that George leaving brought will help the team build a more sustainable contender over time, it doesn’t look like the Clippers are expected to be even a top-six team in the West right now.
Leonard’s injury status is still up in the air, so their success will likely come down to what 36-year-old James Harden can achieve as the team’s point guard and potential No. 1 option in Leonard’s absence.
Norman Powell Thinks George’s Departure Is ‘Addition By Subtraction’
The most notable quote about Paul George’s departure came from Clippers swingman scorer Norman Powell, who believes the team could benefit from the departure of players like George and Russell Westbrook, as it could be a form of addition by subtraction due to the expanded role given to other players.
“I know media and outlets like to write us off because we don’t have PG and Russ… I’ve been on a team that lost a superstar and were still top five in East… guys will be able to expand (roles)… and excited to prove media wrong… I saw it as addition by subtraction. More guys getting opportunities, including myself.”
The biggest beneficiary in terms of a role due to George’s departure is James Harden, who’ll likely run the team’s offense for months until Kawhi can return from inflammation in his knee. Harden said at media day that it was hard to iron out roles on the team last season, but this year has given him more clarity.
“Aggressive. Last year, we tried to figure it out, with guys and their roles… It was pretty difficult. This year for me, I’ve got a clear space in what I need to be doing.”
Powell averaged 13.9 points last season while Harden averaged 16.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 8.5 assists. Both players will hope to return to being 20-point scorers, with Harden potentially even cracking 10+ assists and being in the race for assists leader.
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