As soon as news broke announcing the Los Angeles Clippers had landed Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, the Californians were instant contenders to the NBA title. This association was expected to deliver immediately for the Clips, more so knowing how confident PG was in his partnership with the Klaw.
During media day, in September of 2019, George was asked if he believed he and Leonard were the best duo in the league after all the changes in the league. LeBron James teamed up with Anthony Davis in the Lakers, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant joined forces in Brooklyn, Russell Westbrook landed in Houston to play with James Harden and more.
However, PG believed nobody was better than them.
“When you look at guys who play both ends. Two guys that can go get a basket. Two guys that can stop you from getting a basket. Elite on both ends, I don’t see how you can beat that.”
"Elite on both ends, I don't see how you can beat that." 👀@Yg_Trece tells @Powell2daPeople how he and Kawhi are the best duo in the NBA. pic.twitter.com/I1ldirBrBI
— NBA TV (@NBATV) September 29, 2019
Flash forward, the Clippers became the biggest disappointment of the season after blowing a 3-1 lead against the Denver Nuggets, losing big advantages during close-out games, earning the jokes and criticism from the NBA community.
It seemed like they were too confident in their chances that they actually forgot that to win games, you have to play well throughout four quarters. George and Leonard were blamed for the Clippers’ collapse and until they demonstrate they can win together, these jokes will haunt them.
Next season will be very important for the Clips but seeing how things are right now, perhaps George won’t even be part of the team anymore.
