Everyone knew what was coming for Paul George and the Los Angeles Clippers if they didn’t find a middle ground, and the events have rolled out accordingly. The ex-Clippers point guard has moved out to the Philadelphia 76ers, signing a four-year max contract worth $212 million. Exactly the amount that he was yearning for all this time from the Clippers front office. Now, the Clippers face significant changes and challenges ahead.
The Clippers are now left with players like James Harden and Kawhi Leonard. Honestly, it is not a roster worth winning championships since a champion like Kawhi needs assists from teammates as well. On top of that, his injury chances reduce the chances of an exuberant play from the 2x NBA Champion. “I think Paul George being there, not being there, is going to be a difference,” Fox Sports Radio NBA analyst Rob Parker expressed his thoughts on the issue on ‘The Odd Couple’ podcast.
Despite spending five years with the Clippers, George could not make it to the Finals. Therefore, there is no point if the 33-year-old is not there for the Clippers now. However, after the departure of such a star from the roster, the Clippers might observe a blurred vision for their championship ambitions. Even Fox Sports Radio NBA analyst Rob Parker agrees with the aforementioned fact on the podcast.
Harden and Kawhi are the only players who can drive the Clippers despite losing a superstar like Paul George. However, Kawhi Leonard’s injury-prone nature and the risks associated with relying heavily on him are concerning. His performance this season, with 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.6 assists, may not matter if he cannot consistently play on the court. This sets the stage for examining Steve Ballmer’s investment in Kawhi Leonard.
The Financial Strain and Kawhi Leonard’s Role
Steve Ballmer‘s front office has signed Kawhi Leonard to a three-year $152.4 million contract. However, there is no player option associated with this deal. It seems like Ballmer needs Kawhi to lead the young ones for now and build a roster for the future. Rob’s fellow analyst Chris Broussard pointed out that Kawhi could prove to be a “mistake.”
USA Today via Reuters
Former Microsoft CEO and Clippers owner Steve Ballmer has also invested significantly in building the Intuit Dome, worth USD $2BN, in Inglewood, LA. This financial strain is compounded by the lack of a star player like Paul George, which could affect the return on investment for the new stadium. Ballmer has sold the financial rights for the name of the basketball arena for more than $500 million, yet the rest of the investment might not see sufficient contributions from Kawhi or James Harden’s fanbase.
Even now, Paul George has one of the biggest fanbases in the NBA community. Recently, when Stephen A. Smith criticized George, fans defended him passionately on social media. George’s fame would have surely helped Ballmer recover his investments. However, what’s done is done, and it is time for the Clippers to move forward toward a better future. The question remains if Kawhi Leonard, despite his talent, can fulfill the expectations placed on him and lead the team effectively.
The Clippers’ future, post-Paul George, seems uncertain, with financial and performance challenges ahead. The success of Ballmer’s investments hinges on Kawhi’s ability to stay healthy and perform at his best. The Clippers must adapt quickly to maintain their relevance in the NBA landscape.
But before you go, be sure to check this video of Leonardo Armato’s take on the deadly duo, Shaq and Kobe.
