Sixers’ Paul George reflects on time with Kawhi Leonard, Clippers in return to LA
When the Philadelphia 76ers take on the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night, it won’t just be an ordinary game for star forward Paul George.
An LA native, the Clippers served as George’s NBA home for five seasons before he joined the Sixers in free agency on a 4-year $212 million deal. He averaged 23.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.5 assists while being named an All-Star three times during his time with the Clippers. He also guided LA to the Western Conference finals–their first appearance that far in franchise history–in 2021.
All in all, the George and Kawhi Leonard pairing didn’t produce the title the Clippers had hoped for, but there was a lot of hope for the franchise.
Ahead of his return on Wednesday, George reflected on his time with Leonard and the Clippers as he moves forward with the Sixers.
Emotions in a big return
“I think the beginning will be the toughest part,” said George. “You know, saying hi to everyone. Kinda taking myself away from the competitive side for a little bit and just enjoying seeing people that I spent time with here, and then after that, it’s throw the ball out there, throw the ball up in the air, it’s go time, and just forget about it and focus on what the now is and the present is and that’s being a Philadelphia 76er and try to win a game.”
His exit from the Clippers
George addressed a lot of this on his podcast, “Podcast P with Paul George”, but the veteran expanded a bit on his relationship with Clippers owner Steve Ballmer and President of Basketball Operations Lawrence Frank.
George stated: “I think it got kinda misconstrued or narrative kinda wasn’t written correctly with the relationship with Lawerence, the relationship with Steve Ballmer. They were awesome the whole time I was here.
Kinda the reason why it was such a shocking decision how it played out at the end, but they were awesome. They were awesome in my time here.
I think that was kinda refreshing to be alongside and have a partnership like that with a front office. I think that was probably the highlight I think of the whole situation. Just how great they were in my tenure here.”
George on if Leonard tried to use his voice to keep him in LA
“I can’t speak on that. I don’t know what goes on behind closed doors so I can’t speak on that. I know Kawhi and I enjoyed my time here together. We kinda dealt with our situations separately with both of us having the impression we’re both staying here, but I don’t know what goes on behind closed doors.”
George on his relationship with Leonard
“Yeah, absolutely. That’s still my guy, I still talk to him. He’s still one of the closest people I am with to this day in this league. We still talk. We still hang out. Nothing’s changed. Our families are close. Nothing’s changed outside of that.”
George on the what ifs
George doesn’t have any rel regrets other than just wishing he and Leonard were healthy enough to lead the Clippers on a deep playoff run like they all were hoping for.
“I mean, none other than if we all were healthy,” he stated. “That’s the only ‘What ifs’ we had. If we all would’ve stayed healthy.”
George on if he understands why he isn’t with the Clippers anymore
“I mean, I understand. I get when—again, I don’t think people realize business is business. They made a business decision that works for the organization and that’s fine. I made a business decision that works for myself and my family and so, again, there’s no love lost. I still appreciate and love those guys, but it’s part of the business. I don’t take no ill will from it.”
George on previous returns and using it in LA
Overall, George has made two previous returns at other stops. He made emotional returns to the Indiana Pacers as well as the Oklahoma City Thunder. A return to LA will be a little different for him.
“I think from my experience, I’ve seen both sides of being on the bad side of being bood and on the celebrated side of being cheered,” George explained. “Oklahoma’s always a great return. Indiana’s always a tense return. So I think I know regardless of what the return will be tonight, I have something I can pull from being in both of those experiences.”
George’s favorite memory with the Clippers
“I think it’s just that run that we had having a chance to almost be the team to make it past Western Conference finals. Being in that series against Phoenix. Getting the Clippers the furthest that they’ve ever gone. That group was special. That year was special. Again, it’s unfortunate injuries happen, but I think that run kinda solidified who we could’ve been and kinda showed who we could’ve been when we were healthy.
I thought we were a force that year, but that’s probably the biggest and the best memory I’ve had being here, but again, every year was special. Every year was great. Steve was awesome. T (Ty Lue) was awesome.
Lawrence was awesome and the guys that I played with here were awesome so I always have love here. Obviously, this is home. This organization is first class and I was just appreciative to be a part of it.”
