In the summer of 2019, 29-year-old Paul George and 28-year-old Leonard landed in the air city together, the difference is that Leonard killed all sides in the 2019 playoffs and defeated the Universe Warrior in the Finals, and came to Los Angeles with the halo of championship and Finals MVP, while Paul George's Thunder was staged by Lillard in the first round of the playoffs, and finally lost to the Trail Blazers with a score of 1-4, and Paul George became the background of Lillard's killing moment. With different voices and two superstars of their playing year joined forces, the Clippers quickly became a strong contender for the championship.
In the first season of the Twins' partnership, Paul George played in only 48 regular season games due to injury, averaging 21.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.4 steals per game, while Leonard only played in 57 regular season games, averaging 27.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 1.8 steals per game. In the first round of the playoffs, the Clippers defeated the Mavericks 4-2 and successfully advanced to the Western Conference semifinals. In the second round of the playoffs, the Clippers were successfully overturned by the Nuggets with a huge advantage of leading 3-1, and finally missed the Western Conference Finals 3-4.
The twin stars nearly reached the Western Conference Finals in their first season together, giving Clippers owner Ballmer hope for a future championship. In the summer of 2020, Tyronn Lue officially became the head coach of the Clippers, and although the Clippers' record was not as good as the previous season, the Clippers still advanced to the playoffs in fourth place in the West, and the first round of the playoffs was against the Mavericks. It is worth mentioning that both sides lost their first three home games, but instead won on the road, but in the final tie-break, the Clippers still advanced to the second round at home.
Coming to the second round, Leonard only played the first two games before missing the rest of the game due to injury. I thought that the Clippers would soon lose to the No. 1 Jazz in the West, but I didn't expect the Clippers to eliminate the Jazz with a score of 4-2 under the leadership of Paul George. In the Western Conference Finals, Paul George fought alone and lost to the Suns 2-4 in the end, never thinking that this would be the only time in George's Clippers career to reach the Western Conference Finals. That season, George played in 54 regular season games, averaging 23.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.1 steals per game, and in 19 playoff games, he averaged 26.9 points, 9.6 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 1 steal per game.
The following season, Leonard was reimbursed for the season with a torn cruciate ligament; George also played only 31 regular season games due to injury, and the Clippers had to make the playoffs due to their poor record, but the Clippers lost both playoff games to rivals, and the Clippers failed to make the playoffs, which was the only time during the Clippers period that the Clippers did not make the playoffs. The Twins missed a lot of games due to injuries and the team didn't play as well as they wanted, but George still averaged 24.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 2.2 steals per game in limited games.
In the 2022-2023 season, the twin stars finally returned healthy, but the number of appearances of the two still did not meet the expected goal. He played in 52 games in the regular season, averaging 23.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.4 steals per game, while George played in 56 games in the regular season, averaging 23.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 1.5 steals per game. Towards the end of the regular season, Paul George was injured in an unexpected scramble, causing him to miss the playoffs. Leonard played only two games in the playoffs and was also reimbursed due to injury, and the Clippers faced off against the Suns, and quickly lost 1-4.
After failing to play well for two consecutive seasons, the Clippers traded Harden from the 76ers at the beginning of last season, and the Clippers finally ushered in a true point guard. At first, the team's cooperation did not go well, and under the guidance of Lu, the Clippers finally found a way to win, and the twin stars also maintained a good health. Then the Clippers started to win mode, and once rose to first place in the West, but after the All-Star Weekend, the Clippers' record began to decline, and finally the Clippers advanced to the playoffs with fourth place in the West. In the first round of the playoffs, the Clippers were eliminated by the Mavericks 4-2 after winning one game first, and the team suffered a playoff round again.
Five years have passed in a blink of an eye, and the Clippers twins have not played the ideal record, except for the first two seasons that played the ideal results, the other seasons of the team ended in a hurry. After failing again and again, Paul George decided to try a different place. This time, Paul George decided to join forces with the Great, as well as Maxey, who played at a high price last season. According to the latest news, George signed with the 76ers with a maximum salary of $212 million over four years, with a player option in the final year, which also means that George has a player option of 56.6 million at the age of 38.
With Paul George and the 76ers agreeing, it also means that the "Ka Pepper" group, which has worked together for five seasons, has officially dissolved. In the past five seasons, George has played 263 regular season games for the Clippers, averaging 23 points, 6 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.5 steals per game, shooting 45.5% from the field and 39.7% from three-point range. In the playoffs, George played in 38 games, averaging 23.4 points, 8 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 1.2 steals per game, shooting 42.3% from the field and 34% from three-point range.
Paul George made his debut as a Pacer and showed great talent at the Pacers. As a top-class striker, George has excellent physicality and a well-rounded skill set that will make him a huge help to the team, both offensively and defensively. However, injuries have always been an unavoidable topic in his career. From a broken leg injury to shoulder surgery, these injuries have left George's career uncertain. But the 76ers believe that the 34-year-old George is still the ideal choice for the team's forward, and the team contacted George as soon as possible, and the 76ers also showed full sincerity and chips.
While the Clippers are strong and competitive, they are eager to keep the top forward and continue to challenge for championships. The successive injuries and defeats have made George feel relieved, and perhaps separation is the best option for both sides. On the other hand, the Philadelphia 76ers have also shown a strong interest in George, and they hope to build a "Big Three" lineup of Embiid, Maxey and George to challenge for the championship.
For Paul George, the Philadelphia 76ers are truly an attractive option. First, the 76ers have a great core roster and depth, and they can go far in the playoffs. Secondly, Embiid and Maxey are both top players, and their presence can provide more support and help for George. Finally, Philadelphia, as a city with a long history, has a strong basketball atmosphere and a fanatical fan base, which will also make George feel more sense of belonging and honor.
Now, Paul George's settlement in the 76ers has been basically confirmed, and now it is waiting for the official announcement. For Paul George, the Philadelphia 76ers are truly a team with potential. Embiid and Maxey are both top players, and their presence brings a strong competitiveness to the team. The arrival of Paul George will make the 76ers more impactful next season, and with the arrival of role players such as Drummond and Gordon, the 76ers are expected to go further next season and achieve higher goals. This may be the last big contract of George's career, and it is also his final championship window, and hopefully he can make a new career with the 76ers.
Next season, Paul George will usher in his 15th season in the NBA, whether it is the young boy who chased his dreams, or the original intention of the current year, he still persevers for the championship dream. When his next contract expires, Paul George will turn 38 years old, which may be the final place for Paul George, and the future is full of uncertainties, no matter where he ultimately chooses to go, we should respect his decision and hope that he will continue to show great skills and tenacity in his future career.