The Los Angeles Clippers stunned the world in 2019. They made a historic front office move, signing two sensational talents in back-to-back succession. Paul George and Kawhi Leonard changed the landscape of the NBA with their decision to sign with the Clippers. The duo seemed like the Clippers’ greatest shot at a championship run. However, 4 years after this significant signing, the Clippers do not have a single Finals appearance to show for.
The two stars had incredible potential to win the championship for the Clippers after their arrival in 2019. Kawhi Leonard joined the franchise, coming off a historic championship heist with the Toronto Raptors. Paul George, on the other hand, was an MVP frontrunner a year prior, finishing third in the MVP race. However, their injury plagued stint with the Clippers has only caused agony for the franchise fans. Veteran analyst, Stephen A. Smith too, bashed the two superstars for this very reason.
Stephen A. Smith slams Paul George and Kawhi Leonard
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When playing together, Paul George and Kawhi Leonard looked scary. Their incredible chemistry has been evident throughout their stint with the Clippers. The duo holds an impressive regular season record of 83-35 while playing together. However, they have found it difficult to stay healthy during the regular season, often missing several games due to injury. This was brought up by Stephen A. Smith while slamming the superstar duo.
On his podcast, Smith highlighted the number of games missed by both players. Talking about George, Smith said, “You’ve missed 119 out of 308 regular season games, that’s 38% due to injuries. In that time span, you have earned $142M in your career. $57.3M of those money’s worth of games missed.”
Coming to Leonard, Smith said, “He’s missed 147 of 308 regular season games, that’s 48% due to injuries. Kawhi’s earned $146.9M in his career with the Clippers, about $70.8M were for games he’s missed.”
He then went on to critically question the Clippers’ superstar duo: “I don’t see the Clippers fans getting any refunds. I still am waiting for that championship…..if you combine your money with his money that equates to….$102M in salary and $17M in endorsements.”
Stephen A. Smith had some strong criticism for the superstar duo. But can George and Leonard answer back in the upcoming season?
George and Leonard have a tough task ahead
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Stephen A. Smith made bold remarks against the Clippers duo. However, their current situation does not help their case. After missing a major chunk of their regular season games, the Clippers duo are not going to find it easy to answer the questions raised against them.
Paul George and Kawhi Leonard have had exceptional résumé as individual players. George, an 8 time All Star has proved his worth to the team on several occasions as a two way player. Leonard too has had an incredible career in the NBA so far, also cementing his position as an NBA Top 75 List member. After winning the Finals MVP award in both his championship runs, Leonard has proved that he has an undisputed championship pedigree. However, their injuries have had a huge impact on their career so far.
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Both superstars have showcased their on court connection as Clippers. However, they will have to stay fit to make a legitimate championship run this season. With the added help of former MVP, Russell Westbrook, the team looks prepared to make noise in the playoffs. The superstar duo’s health will play a major role in the team’s success in the upcoming season.