Paul George, the star forward, has signed a four-year, $212 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, returning to the Eastern Conference. During his introductory press conference, George expressed his feelings about his time with the Los Angeles Clippers, candidly stating that playing for the Clippers felt like playing for “LA’s second team.”
George’s Experience with the Clippers
George shared, “When I came back to LA, it felt like coming home. But the love from LA fans is different for the Clippers and Lakers. People kept telling me, ‘Brother, you should be playing for the Lakers.’ It felt like returning to LA meant playing for the Lakers. That atmosphere made me feel like I was playing for LA’s second team while with the Clippers.”
Career Highlights and Stats
During his tenure with the Clippers, George played in 263 games, averaging 23.6 points per game. Last season, he appeared in 74 games, marking the most in the past four seasons, with averages of 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game.
| Season | Games Played | Points per Game | Rebounds per Game | Assists per Game |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019-2020 | 48 | 21.5 | 5.7 | 3.9 |
| 2020-2021 | 54 | 23.3 | 6.6 | 5.2 |
| 2021-2022 | 31 | 24.3 | 6.9 | 5.7 |
| 2022-2023 | 74 | 22.6 | 5.2 | 3.5 |
Contract Negotiation Challenges
Despite setting a new career-high in games played, George struggled with contract negotiations with the Clippers. There were three separate attempts to renegotiate during the season, all of which ended without an agreement. The Clippers’ reluctance to offer a max contract led to George’s decision to join the 76ers.
Reaction to George’s Comments
George’s remarks about the Clippers being “LA’s second team” sparked reactions, including from Farbod Esnaashari, a reporter covering the Clippers. Esnaashari remarked, “I’ve never seen a player provoke fans so much that they would go to such lengths to boo him.”
Conclusion
George’s move to the 76ers marks a significant shift in his career. His candid remarks highlight the complex dynamics and perceptions surrounding LA’s two NBA teams. As he embarks on this new chapter with the 76ers, it will be interesting to see how his career progresses in Philadelphia.(Superace88)