Clippers star Paul George’s preferential treatment, attitude at center of LA’s drama
Los Angeles Clippers swingman Kawhi Leonard’s star treatment was an open secret by the team last season. It appears that his running mate in Paul George also demanded those privileges but didn’t get the same amount of respect that the players gave to Leonard.
According to Jovan Buha of The Athletic, a question that marred George’s credibility in the league was the lingering sentiment of, “What have you accomplished in the playoffs?” multiple league sources said.
The Palmdale native has long been a tenured veteran in the league who has already garnered individual success. However, his situation was in high contrast compared to the accomplishments of Leonard who has already snagged a couple of championship rings and Finals MVP honors.
Meanwhile, George struggled to perform in the playoffs and served as a major part of several teams that fell short numerous times in the playoffs including his previous stints with the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The veteran forward also found himself in the middle of several arguments with his teammates inside the locker room especially with all the high expectations set around the team. He had heated exchanges with Lou Williams during their first-round series against the Dallas Mavericks and ensuingly engaged in an altercation with Montrezl Harrell during their Semi-Finals tilt against the Denver Nuggets.
The six-time All-Star also received criticism for his dismal performance in Game 7 against the Nuggets where he failed to display a sense of urgency and a desire to win in the pivotal game. He only produced 10 points, four rebounds, two assists, a steal, and a block in 38 minutes of action en route to a 104-89 defeat.
His unproductive performance from the field eventually played a huge role in the team’s loss and ultimately cost the Clippers an opportunity to advance to the Western Conference Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Paul George will have to bounce back and get his act together next season if he wants to be seen on the same pedestal as Kawhi Leonard and truly establish himself as one of the best players in the league.
