Big changes are on the horizon in Los Angeles, after the Clippers’ shocking, disappointing loss in the Western Conference semifinals to the Denver Nuggets. Paul George and Kawhi Leonard simply were not enough this year.
The Clippers and coach Doc Rivers announced recently the two sides would part ways after seven seasons, as Rivers unfortunately saw the stigma of a blown 3-1 series lead come up yet again.
Beyond hiring Rivers’ replacement — which will be a crucial decision for Steve Ballmer — the next order of business is deciding on George’s fit within the roster.
George, in an ill-advised comment, said after the loss to Denver that they did not feel this was a championship-or-bust season. That’s a hard sell for an owner such as Ballmer, who mortgaged more than half a decade in future picks to the Thunder for the chance to acquire George (and, by extension, Leonard).
Leonard and George teamed up in Los Angeles and were immediately deemed the darlings of the NBA, assumed by fans and oddsmakers alike to be Finals favorites.
But after a bitter ending to the season, one which cost Rivers his job, could we see the roster retooled via a trade of George? Here are three reasons Los Angeles could move “Playoff P” this offseason.
