The saying goes that every great idea must come to an end, and this also applies to situations that may have seemed promising but ultimately resulted in disappointment. This sentiment accurately reflects the four-year saga of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George in Los Angeles with the Clippers. Recent indications suggest that the Clippers might be ready to part ways with George, signaling a significant shift in their strategy and aspirations.
The anticipation surrounding the pairing of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George was immense when they teamed up in the summer of 2019, especially following Leonard’s championship victory with Toronto. Many believed both players were in their prime, and the Clippers were seen as serious contenders for the title in the ensuing years. However, four years later, this dynamic duo has only managed to reach one Western Conference Finals, a series in which Leonard was sidelined due to injury, leaving fans and analysts disheartened by the missed opportunities.
When reflecting on the tenure of Leonard and George in Los Angeles, the phrase that comes to mind is availability, or rather, the lack of it. Throughout their time with the Clippers, injuries and load management have plagued their ability to play together consistently. In the previous season alone, Leonard participated in only 52 games, while George made it onto the court for 56. The prior season was even more challenging for George, who only played 31 games, and Leonard missed the entire year as he rehabilitated a torn ACL, highlighting the fragility of their situation.
Despite their injury challenges, both Leonard and George are remarkable players when they are healthy and on the court together for extended periods. Over the four years they have played for the Clippers, they have achieved nearly a 68% win rate when both are active, showcasing their potential. The Clippers have assembled an impressive supporting cast around their stars, yet they have been unable to fully capitalize on these resources due to the ongoing injury issues that have kept their core players sidelined.
At this juncture, it seems increasingly unlikely that fans will witness a full, uninterrupted season from this Clippers squad, which is truly unfortunate. The initial excitement and hope for this duo rapidly diminished, and the team has struggled to regain that momentum. While nothing is set in stone, the Clippers appear to be exploring the possibility of trading George, indicating they might be ready to move forward in a new direction.
It’s telling that Paul George’s trade value is perceived to be higher than that of Leonard after four years together. Although Leonard remains an elite player when healthy and is often regarded as one of the top ten in the NBA, his availability remains a significant concern. As a two-time champion and Finals MVP, Kawhi is recognized as one of the best two-way players in the league over the past three decades. However, the constant caveat of “when he’s healthy” underscores the ongoing dilemma the Clippers face.
Injuries are an unfortunate aspect of professional sports, and they occur across the board. Nevertheless, Steve Ballmer likely did not anticipate the challenges that would arise when he brought these two superstars together four years ago. While he may never openly admit it, the reality of buyer’s remorse is palpable. If rumors about George potentially being placed on the trade block are true, it reflects the larger narrative of frustration and uncertainty currently defining the Clippers’ landscape in the City of Angels.
