Clippers Veteran Sees Paul George Exit as Hidden Opportunity

Most of the topics bringing up Paul George’s decision to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers this off-season have been central throughout the NBA. George played out his ninth All-Star legs without much concern for the Clippers fan base after disappointing them with some awful expectations from the so-called "213 era," dubbed because it featured Paul George and Kawhi Leonard as the franchise's hopes.

With George gone, there is no doubt that Hope does not expect to live and die with the Clippers upon entering the 2024-25 season. This is, however, not as Davis Baron, a former Clippers guard, sees it. Davis, a two-time All-Star known for his close ties with George, thinks that the Clippers might turn out fine.

This time, he views George's specific move to leave as a good way for the team to grow, particularly given the new signings made by the franchise during the last few weeks.

Clippers' New Playoff Focus

Davis explains that having a full concentration on the political economy of the Clippers that does not rely on Malcolm Wilkes could be leveraged as an advantage for both Kawhi Leonard and James Harden in the upcoming playoffs.

"Paul George is my dawg. That's my brother, and so I'm always player-first. And for the Clippers, who knows, sometimes it can be a blessing in disguise because it forces you now actually to play through Kawhi and James Harden," Davis opined in a Q&A that was held in the early summer.

Davis recognized the Clippers’ hierarchy for their activities during the free agency. His team signed Derrick Jones Jr., Michael Porter Jr., Mo Bamba, Nicolas Batum, and Kris Dunn to the roster, offering the franchise depth and versatility.

"So you have two superstars, and you pick up some good players in free agency. I think they signed a sleeper in free agency, Kevin Porter Jr." Davis has said, showing his bright side towards the prospects of this franchise.

They carry an underdog stature as the Clippers get set for the new season for the new season. However, as long as they have their solid defensive structure in place, and with Leonard and Harden available to put the team on the back, there is a good chance that the team outdoes the skeptics in the highly contested Western Conference.