Although there were many options for the LA Clippers, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George ended up being the best choice for the franchise.
The LA Clippers took over the NBA Free Agency and officially sparked a rivalry in Los Angeles. Something the league never expected occurred this past weekend, with all the speculation, the Clippers held steadfast.
In the middle of it all, Jerry West came in to claim his reign once again. He was the one who recruited Shaq and Durant. Now to top it all off, he recruits Kawhi Leonard to the Los Angeles Clippers. In a blockbuster trade with a record number of sent draft picks, the Clippers acquired Paul George.
Although this happened over night, it was contemplated by the Clippers front office for months on end. Steve Ballmer’s goal was to get a top tier star, now he has two. Jerry West’s goal was to complete a defensive powerhouse with the best defenders in the league. Now, the Clippers have a chance at a championship behind the likes of Paul George and Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard.
Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are the top two, two-way players in the NBA. In addition to those two defensive superstars, Patrick Beverley and Montrezl Harrell add their defensive capability to put it over the edge. With the Clippers making the playoffs last season, they already have a nucleus of a team that got experience performing against the prior defending champs Golden State Warriors.
Shea Mirzai, screenwriter/producer of Space Coyote Productions in Los Angeles and a faithful Clipper supporter, has been through the ups and downs of the team. He dropped some knowledge on why it was ideal to acquire Paul George instead of the speculated Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant or Jimmy Butler.
"“Durant would be out for a year and possibly never be the same after that. Jimmy Butler destroys locker rooms. Kyrie believes the earth is flat.”"
Mirzai believes that Paul George was the best fit for this current roster and is excited to see his pairing with Kawhi on the court this upcoming season. He believed this was the plan all along.
"“We were Kawhi’s choice from the beginning… this group is winning a title.”"
In sending a record number of picks, Shai-Gilgeous Alexander and Danilo Gallinari, the Clippers made this blockbuster trade. They knew they needed to get this done in order to acquire Kawhi, so they did just that. This was seen as a smart calculated move by the man himself, Jerry West. In actuality, credit goes to the entire Clippers front office; they masterfully set up this team for Leonard and George.
Ladi Saka, a long-time Los Angeles Resident and co-founder of Tekton LA remarks this trade as,
"“A tribute to success of the NBA Logo Jerry West’s track record, as a consultant for the Los Angeles Clippers.”"
He likes the competition that has been reinstated.
"“I am looking forward to a great competition in Los Angeles for the best team. This move has sparked the balance in the NBA we was looking for.”"
Ladi was enticed by the media and rest of the basketball world, but then realized something.
"“Kawhi Leonard beat Lebron James at his own game, recruitment of basketball players to their team. Silence is golden as the whole NBA wasn’t aware of his intentions in playing for the Clippers.”"
I like this. Silence really is golden, especially for the Clipper’s front office. They moved in silence and reaped the rewards of two league altering players.
Jovan Buha, Clippers beat writer for The Athletic stated the following.
"“This is the biggest moment in Clippers history. They have never been an NBA destination before. The signing of Kawhi Leonard an trade for Paul George are the culmination of what this organization and front office have been working on for the past two years.”"
He’s right. Jerry West and his plan prevailed within a two year period of time. Astonishment hit the whole NBA community after this move, and Jovan nailed it.
"“You can only dream this stuff up in Hollywood.”"
Now that the Clippers are the 2019-2020 favorites, it’s hard to believe this is reality, after all those years of underachieving and agony, the Clippers receive what they have earned: Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.
There is finally a hint of competition in the Los Angeles world. The Clippers and Lakers. Finally.