Five years ago, the Los Angeles Clippers went all-in on acquiring their superstar core of Paul George and Kawhi Leonard.
With George out of town and that era of basketball behind them, fans can reflect on what they saw and call it what it was: an utter failure.
Despite having two All-NBA talents on the roster, the Clippers were unable to make the NBA Finals and made it out of the first round of the playoffs only once. Leonard and George were often injured, unreliable and unable to cobble together wins when it mattered most.
George has since signed with the Philadelphia 76ers, and will start the season on the bench with a minor knee injury. This summer, Leonard signed an extension to stay in LA, and will be a Clipper through the 2026-27 season.
Despite committing big money to him, Leonard will miss the start of the Clippers’ season for an “indefinite” period.
Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard is expected to be sidelined for indefinite period of time to start the NBA season as he rehabilitates the inflammation in his right knee, league sources tell me and @NotoriousOHM. pic.twitter.com/M5wFYIWGiv
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 17, 2024
Leonard has only appeared in 70 or more games twice in his career, with the last effort coming in the 2016-17 season. With an unreliable track record and seemingly little motivation to get–and remain–healthy, teams are wary of Leonard. One unnamed NBA executive opened up about the star’s reputation around the league.
“(Leonard) should retire,” the executive told HoopsHype. “He’ll be in the Hall of Fame, but he’s damaged goods. The Clippers made a major, major mistake giving him that extension. They are screwed.”
Leonard has been linked to contending teams in trade rumors, but if his value has indeed hit an all-time low, the Clippers might have to lie in the bed they made when they committed to three more years.
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