As a sports fan, name one quote that you hear after a player/team lets you down. Ready? “It’s always something.” That quote is one of many used to describe a team’s disappointing lost or its best player out due to injuries, such as Kawhi and PG.
The Los Angeles Clippers are no strangers to this particular obstacle. Ever since their top two stars, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, signed in the summer of 2019, they fail to meet expectations. A team with superstar talent, along with great role players, have the biggest expectation of all: to be the final team standing. With Kawhi and PG getting older and the formation of new title contenders in the West, the Clippers’ championship window is closing. Despite the lack of availability and trust from their two stars, it is important this team retains them for the long haul.
Why the Clips Should Re-Sign Kawhi and PG?
The hope is alive and well
The 2021 playoffs were the first real glimpse of what the Clippers can accomplish, led by head coach, Ty Lue. Kawhi Leonard, in Game 4 of the Western Conference Semifinals, suffered a torn ACL. He averaged 30.4 PPG, 7.7 RPG, and 4.4 APG and was arguably was the best player in the playoffs. Leonard led his team back from multiple 0-2 deficits against the Dallas Mavericks and Utah Jazz. His running mate, Paul George also had a chip on his shoulder. Exceeding expectations, George averaged 26.9 PPG, 7.5 RPG, and 5.4 APG. In the process, he led the Clips to their first ever Western Conference Finals after Leonard suffered an ACL tear. One could ask, “What if Kawhi remained healthy?” With the support of the role players, this team turned heads and gave hope to Clipper Nation and fans all over of what is to come in the near future.
Russell Westbrook is the leader they need to help PG and Kawhi
Because great teams have great talent, none of them can’t succeed without a leader. Acquired by the Clippers during last season, Russell Westbrook’s personality and leadership have sparked this team. Battle-tested his entire career, Westbrook never fails to be available for his teammates. The proven leadership he has shown won him NBA MVP honors in 2017, while averaging a rare triple double. Having been subject to mass criticism for failing to meet expectations with the Los Angeles Lakers, Westbrook has been nothing but professional. He knows that his job is to be the biggest competitor every night. A proven floor general, Russ knows how help his teammates and those around him be successful, whether it’s the right assist, rebound, screen, and/or read. Thankfully, the Clippers were able to re-sign him to a two-year, $7.8M deal.
Superstars put people in seats
Next summer, the Clippers move into their new arena and the newest arena in the NBA, the Intuit Dome. Besides having an opportunity to win it all, Clippers owner, Steve Ballmer knows Kawhi and PG are his biggest attractions. Failing to re-sign both would not be a good sign for this team. When the Clips compete against a top team/a team under .500, not only is it about matchups. It’s also about fans coming to see their favorite players, especially if that player means a lot to that city. One could put Leonard (San Antonio Spurs/Toronto Raptors) and George (Indiana Pacers) in that conversation. Should the Clippers win and compete at a high level and retain their two stars, moving into the Intuit Dome will be an easy transition come next summer.
This October, the Clips look to be the last team standing, finishing their last season at Crypto.com Arena.
