In the fast-paced world of the NBA, athletes like Paul George and Kawhi Leonard frequently find themselves in the spotlight. Either these athletes are praised for their exceptional abilities or are criticized for their tragic physical issues. Injuries have troubled these two Los Angeles Clippers superstars in recent seasons. Due to this, concerns about their devotion and effectiveness on the court are raised. Is the criticism justified, or is there more to the story?
During an interview with Taylor Rooks of Bleacher Report, Paul Geroge spoke up and let the fans know the entire story.
Paul George gives his side of the story
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Paul George and Kawhi Leonard have had a string of injuries since joining the Los Angeles Clippers in the summer of 2019. Both athletes have been praised for their exceptional abilities, but countless failures have affected their collaboration. Fans have criticized both Leonard and George?for load management, which entails resting elite players to protect their health. They claim, however, that their conditions are unique, and that they only rest when needed due to injuries.
However, during the interview with Taylor Rocks, she asked George, “I think maybe some NBA fans some of these seasons as underperformance. Why do you feel differently?” George said, “I know people love looking at stats and looking at this from an analytical standpoint. Analytically, when we are healthy, I think we have lost 3 games, 4 games, something like that. You know we have been very productive and successful when healthy and both of us are on the court at the same time”.
He further added, “That’s just what we’re trying to battle now. It’s remaining healthy and so when you look at that we are carrying what we can when he’s on the floor and I’m not on the floor.” Further adding, “He’s carrying what he can for the lack of me being there, vice versa. But when we are there together, we are picking that load up and we’re carrying our team past the line.”
Are George & Leonard healthy enough to play in the upcoming season?
The explosive tandem of Paul George and Kawhi Leonard of the Los Angeles Clippers has experienced more than its fair share of difficulties over the last four years. While their talent and promise are evident, injuries and scheduling conflicts have thrown a pall on their collaboration. As the 2023-24 NBA season approaches, both players are motivated to rewrite history by remaining healthy for the whole season and guiding the Clippers to championship glory. Expectations have been sky-high since the Clippers signed Leonard and traded for George. However, the team’s performance has fallen short of expectations due to the injuries of their star players.
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Over the last four years, George and Leonard have been available for only 38% of their 308 regular-season games and 65% of their 37 postseason games combined. They are now 33 and 32 years old, respectively, and anxieties about their aging are unavoidable. However, despite the obstacles, there is no disputing the Clippers’ potential when both George and Leonard are on the court. In the 108 regular-season games both stars have played, they have an astounding 83-35 (.703) record, outscoring opponents by an incredible 13.2 points per 100 possessions.
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Paul George and Kawhi Leonard are fully aware of the difficulties they have had in recent years. However, they are more determined than ever to stay healthy for the entire season and lead the Clippers to victory. The Clippers have the potential for a great redemption narrative in the upcoming NBA season if George and Leonard play throughout the season and stay fit.
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