Kawhi Leonard has by no means been one to mince phrases within the media, and the person of few phrases virtually all the time makes a stir when he does communicate as a result of it isn’t usually that he does.
With the NBA season on the horizon and pre-season video games already underway, the groups are fine-tuning and seeing their new additions play out on the courtroom.
Kawhi Leonard, who performed 68 video games final season for the LA Clippers, is again within the coaching camp, and the goal, as all the time, is a championship.
The Clippers completed fourth within the Western Convention final season however Dallas Mavericks despatched them packing within the first spherical of the playoffs.
That’s undoubtedly not ok and the Clippers responded to Paul George’s departure by strengthening their general squad.
Clippers’ low season wasn’t off to the very best begin when the Philadelphia 76ers handed Paul George a four-year, $212 million contract.
Clippers then re-routed and gave James Harden a two-year $70 million contract, whereas making an attempt to regain the defensive solidity they misplaced by including the likes of Derick Jones Jr and Kris Dunn, amongst others.
Forward of their pre-season recreation vs the Golden State Warriors, which they’d go on to lose 91-90, Leonard was requested about his ideas on the addition.
Leonard, as brutally sincere as ever, didn’t flinch earlier than saying that he had been observing his new teammates however “no one stood out to me up to now”.
He mentioned: “Simply the brand new guys, I’ve been watching them. Seeing how they develop, watching them from day one, seeing their development however no one stood out to me up to now.”
Leonard’s admission is more likely to ruffle feathers however to be honest to him, neither Jones nor Dunn are explosive gamers that take your breath away.
They’re wily additions to the squad that can deliver the defensive solidity misplaced by George’s departure.
Shedding a bonafide all-star caliber participant isn’t straightforward, particularly as Clippers paid a king’s ransom to deliver him to the group within the first place.
Nevertheless, they’ve carried out in addition to may have been anticipated with the hand they have been dealt. As a substitute of panicking and instantly spending the money on an ill-advised title within the wake of George’s departure, they took the sensible route.
Harden remains to be a prolific scorer and a short-term contract for him doesn’t go away them with an albatross round their neck if it doesn’t work out.
On the opposite finish, Dunn and Jones will reinforce their defence and alongside Leonard, give the Clippers a world-class defensive setup.
Leonard’s minutes shall be managed, as common, so having two defensive-minded gamers to maintain the group afloat on that finish is a brilliant transfer.
It stays to be seen whether or not this group can rival the true championship contenders on the finish of the day however their strikes have been good up to now.
Leonard is a tough man to impress nonetheless!