LA Clippers: The best small forwards in franchise history
We count down the five best small forwards in the history of the LA Clippers franchise.
After already covering the greatest point guards and shooting guards in LA Clippers history, we continue to take a look at the best players by position in the history of the franchise.
Today, we take a look at the top five small forwards to ever suit up for the LA Clippers.
LA Clippers best small forwards in franchise history: 5) Paul George, 4) Kawhi Leonard
We kick off our list with a pair of current Clippers that could quickly rise up the list given a few more years of experience, and success with the team.
Both Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are in the middle of their first campaign with the franchise, and while it’s too early to place them any higher on this list, they certainly deserve a place in the conversation.
Their addition to the team this past offseason signaled a shift in the momentum of the franchise and planted a Clippers flag firmly in the ground of NBA teams to be taken seriously. Owner Steve Ballmer, and the team’s front office have shown that they are willing to take risks to win and move the franchise forward both on, and off the court.
Leonard joined the team just a few months removed from winning an NBA championship and Finals MVP award in his sole season with the Toronto Raptors. The championship, and Finals MVP were the second of Leonard’s career, previously taking home both honors in the 2013-14 season as a member of the San Antonio Spurs.
The Claw brings a pedigree to the Clippers that includes four previous All-Star game appearances, three All-NBA team nods, five All NBA Defensive team mentions, and two Defensive Player of the Year awards. He joins the team as one of the top players currently in the NBA and looks to lead his third franchise to an NBA title.
Paul George joined the Clippers for his tenth NBA seasons after spending the first nine years of his career with the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder. The six-time All-Star, five-time All-NBA, and four-time All-Defensive team member creates a perfect pairing with fellow two-way superstar Leonard.
The Clippers acquired George in a blockbuster trade that sent Danilo Gallinari, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and seven future first round draft picks to Oklahoma City. A steep price to pay for sure, but the Clippers are betting that the pairing of Leonard and George will make it worth the price as they should have the team in contention for the NBA title for the duration of their time with the franchise.
Just how long their time in Los Angeles lasts, and the ultimate results of the team success during their time will determine how high on future lists the pair will land.