The frenetic activity of the Media Day will return a large number of starters in each and every one of the thirty franchises that make up the NBA. Of course, the city of Los Angeles is one of the destinations that always generates a greater expectation.
After reaching the first Conference Finals in their history, the Clippers will try to, at least, repeat this result, without hiding that their big goal is still the ring. However, Kawhi Leonard’s serious injury and the uncertainty surrounding his return has pushed the franchise to be more cautious of its expectations.
Faced with the decline of its great star, Paul George, second in command, has taken advantage of the celebration of this Media Day to confirm he’s ready to take over and lead the team during Kawhi’s absence.
“This group showed what it can achieve without him,” said the forward according to the journalist from ESPN Ohm Youngmisuk. “I am ready for the fight. I am ready to lead this team. I really want to take on all facets, be it scoring, defending, creating plays,… I really want this year to be one of the most complete in my career. I think I showed it and I also showed it to myself [en los playoffs].”
Indeed, George responded to all those critics who seriously questioned his playoff performance. Since Leonard’s injury, the seven-time All-Star averaged 29.6 points, 11.0 rebounds and 5.6 assists in eight games. Fruitful but insufficient numbers to avoid the defeat in the Conference Finals against the Phoenix Suns in a state of grace.
After that, the player admitted to being much more lucid and focused in order to start this season, leaving behind the mental health problems that he suffered during his stay in Orlando. Thus, George affirmed that he is totally focused on discovering how to control the rhythm of the games, maximize his own contribution and improve the performance of his teammates.
(Cover photo by Harry How / Getty Images)
