The New Face of Los Angeles Basketball? Kawhi Leonard and Paul George to the Los Angeles Clippers

The NBA world was stunned on July 5, 2019 with reports of Kawhi Leonard opting not to re-sign with NBA Champions Toronto Raptors and rather play for the Los Angeles Clippers. Leonard would go on to be the first player to not stay with a team after winning Finals MVP. To add on to the shock and awe of the news, Oklahoma City Thunder Guard Paul George was traded to the Clippers as well, only minutes of Leonard’s decision.

The Clippers have found themselves in the best situation they have ever been in since the Chris Paul and Blake Griffin era, in terms of All-Star power. The organization had however been able to make the playoffs last year with no real standout players on their roster. With the new acquisitions of Leonard and George, two of the best two-way players at this time, it is arguable that the Clippers have one of the most stacked teams in the league. The Clippers made an unfortunate early exit in last years Playoffs in 4-2 series against the Golden State Warriors. However, implementing their two newest acquisitions into the starting line-up would increase their play both offensively and defensively.  Leonard last season averaged 26.6 points on 49.6% shooting while George averaged a career-high 28 points on 43.8% shooting. Having two go-to players on offense as well as having 2018 and 2019’s Sixth Man of the Year in Lou Williams, the Clippers have an abundance of options on that side of the floor. However the defensive side of the floor is where most teams should be fearful of the Clippers this coming season. With a potential line-up consisting of Patrick Beverly, Lou Williams, Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, and Montrezl Harrell, players that are notorious for their effort and hard-nosed defense, teams league wide must think twice when coming down the floor offensively. Beverly, George, and Leonard have all found themselves on the First Team All-Defensive in years past, with the addition of Harrell having a breakout season last year, becoming a bigger part of the Clippers identity. With the multitude of blockbuster trades and acquisitions that have occurred up to this point into Free Agency, players, fans, and the organizations still have more in store until the deadline approaches.