In 2019, Paul George and Kawhi Leonard joined forces with the Los Angeles Clippers, forming a dynamic duo fresh off Kawhi’s championship run with the Toronto Raptors. During the peak of their careers, the twosome’s court camaraderie sparked high hopes of multiple championships. However, fast forward four years, they’ve yielded just a single Western Conference Finals appearance, marred by Kawhi’s unfortunate absence.

The Clippers are still waiting to fully reap the benefits of pairing these two formidable talents. And meanwhile, the questions are being raised about their availability throughout the season. But it didn’t stop one of the players turned podcaster to spare thoughts on the other. 

Paul George reminisces about an early collaboration with Kawhi

Recently, Paul George appeared on The Stephen A. Smith Show and together they discussed the upcoming NBA season, George’s podcast venture, and various aspects of life. During the conversation, Smith probed into George’s initial allegiance with Kawhi Leonard. His question asked George’s version of the public’s narrative about their coming together.

“So, me and Kawhi wanted to play with each other far before him winning that championship in Toronto, him being a free agent that summer. We talked about being on the same team, maybe 2 – 3 years prior to that moment,” George answered. George then explained how a congratulatory message to Kawhi for his championship sparked an unexpected turn in their conversation. It was during that exchange that Kawhi expressed his desire to join the Clippers.

“Clippers just had tough series against the Golden State. Me and him were talking about it like, they got the team – they just need the star power behind him. They got Pat Bev, they got Lou Will, they got Shamet, they got the coaching – they just need star power behind it. We were looking at that from that perspective and point of view. If we go there, we can do something there.”

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Kawhi met the Clipper officials with the same mindset, willing to get Paul George on board if they can fulfill him on the organizational front.

Leonard and Paul will appear at the training camp 100% healthy

During an appearance on SiriusXM NBA Radio, Clippers head coach Ty Lue updated on Kawhi Leonard‘s health. He expressed confidence in Kawhi’s readiness for the upcoming training camp. He claims the fun guy will operate at 100 percent as training camp begins.

Furthermore, to ensure Kawhi’s consistent availability, Lue emphasized the medical staff’s guidance, practice sessions, and managing minutes effectively. Lue also clarified that Paul and Kawhi’s absences are due to legitimate injuries rather than a reluctance to compete.

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As things currently stand, the Clippers are optimistic about having Kawhi and George fully fit for the upcoming season, a much-needed setting for the team. The franchise is one of the top contenders in the healthy state. With a superstar back-court, their roster has a depth like no other team in the NBA.