“Kawhi’s knees were fu****!” – NBA insider lay out reason why LA Clippers declined keeping Paul George
NBA insider Bill Simmons discusses the LA Clippers’ decision to part ways with Paul George, citing concerns over Kawhi Leonard’s knee health.
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Paul George and Kawhi Leonard
It went according to plan for Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers as they managed to agree on a contract extension last season, but it wasn’t to be for Paul George. Although it looked from the outside that progress was going to be made, reports indicated that the Clippers and George were far apart in negotiations over a potential extension.
NBA analyst Bill Simmons on his show, “The Bill Simmons Show” weighed in on the situation, as he suggested that the Clippers’ decision was influenced by concerns over Kawhi Leonard’s knees. According to Simmons, the franchise was aware that Leonard’s health wasn’t in great shape.
I actually think they knew Kawhi’s knees were fu****, and that’s why they didn’t want to give Paul George all that money. I think that especially when you think like he goes to the Olympic team. They kind of gently sent him packing in a couple of days, and it’s like, ‘Yeah, Kawhi’s decided to drop out.’ They fu***** pushed his a** out.
Bill Simmons said
Bill Simmons:
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) October 5, 2024
“I actually think [the Clippers] knew Kawhi's knees were fu**** and that's why they didn't want to give Paul George all that money.”
(via The Bill Simmons Podcast) pic.twitter.com/i8polV5Kka
Unfortunately for both parties, Paul George signed a four-year deal with the Philadelphia 76ers after the Clippers declined to meet his request for a four-year, $212 million extension. He went as far as claiming he was disrespected during the contract talks.
Now with the 76ers, PG13 is expected to join forces with former MVP Joel Embiid and youngster Tyrese Maxey to battle it out in the East. Their first game of the season begins with a visit by the Milwaukee Bucks to the Wells Fargo Center.
Kawhi Leonard cautious about plans to be on the court on opening night
And while fans are excited to see how he would play without Paul George, Kawhi Leonard is prioritizing his health and taking a cautious approach for the 2024-25 NBA season. His main goal is to be available for the playoffs as he has not played more than 70 games in a season since 2016-17.
Yeah, that’s the plan. I’m never planning to miss games. It’s just about my body. I’m a human being. And we’re playing basketball. So it all depends on what we want and what we figure out and how my body’s feeling. As of right now, I think it’s a positive thing to think that I will play. But we’re taking it day-by-day.
Kawhi Leonard said in a presser
Full quote on Kawhi Leonard and opening day (apologies for the bad headroom, tripod in the suitcase smh)
— Law Murray ?️ (@LawMurrayTheNU) September 30, 2024
"Yeah, that's the plan. I'm never planning to miss games… I think it's a positive thing to think that I will play. But we're taking it day by day, like I said." pic.twitter.com/U1ym8vW7uy
During last season, The Klaw played 68 games, where he averaged 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.6 assists, and earned an All-Star selection. He also skipped the 2024 Paris Olympics, as a result of his lingering injury woes.
The new season sees the Clippers play at their magnificent home stadium, the Intuit Dome for the first time. They start the season with a game against the Phoenix Suns.
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Ubong Archibong
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