USA Today via Reuters
The Los Angeles Clippers sit on the sidelines during the second half in game seven of the second round of the 2020 NBA Playoffs against the Denver Nuggets at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
The Los Angeles Clippers sit on the sidelines during the second half in game seven of the second round of the 2020 NBA Playoffs against the Denver Nuggets at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The LA Clippers had the biggest debacle of the 2019-20 playoffs. After signing Kawhi Leonard and trading away their future to bring in Paul George, they were immediately termed as title favorites. Despite them finishing as the 2nd seed, they were still favored to win it all.
The Clippers, however, ended up giving away a 3-1 lead to the Nuggets and got sent home in the second round of the playoffs. Following this loss, many rumors of a lack of chemistry in the Clippers locker popped up. Subsequently, trade rumors centered around George also sprang up.
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New coach Tyronn Lue believes that his two superstars will stay, provided they can win. He said, “I think Kawhi and PG are here to stay for a long time. We just gotta make it a great environment and we have to win.”
Can Kawhi Leonard and Paul George win a ring next season?
After their disappointing playoff performance, Leonard and George will be motivated to improve in the upcoming season. George was poor throughout, except for a few good games. Although Leonard was more consistent, he went missing in the crucial games.
Lue has plans for them. He said, “[Leonard and George] are going to have to adjust to my system and my program. But also I also have to be able to adjust to their comfort zone and what makes them better. Also setting the tone defensively of being the two best two-way players in the league. I think it starts on the defensive end with those two guys with setting a tone defensively. I think health is the biggest thing moving forward.”
USA Today via Reuters
Sep 15, 2020; Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) handles the ball while Los Angeles Clippers guard Paul George (13) and forward Kawhi Leonard (2) during the first half in game seven of the second round of the 2020 NBA Playoffs at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The Clippers will not be as strong as the previous season, since they are bound to lose their center, Montrezl Harrell. He was their best scorer off the bench last season and also won Sixth Man of the Year. It will be tough for the Clippers to replace him but they will stay have a strong contending team.
With both Leonard and George having a player option for the 2021-22 season, the Clippers will be under a lot of pressure to win. Otherwise, they risk losing their superstars to free agency.
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