Most people like to say that the Los Angeles Clippers have two legitimate No. 1 options in superstars Paul George and Kawhi Leonard. However, George doesn’t see it that way.
Speaking with reporters after Sunday’s preseason game vs. the Minnesota Timberwolves, George went on the record to say that he considers himself to be the No. 2 option for the team behind Leonard.
“I think it just comes down to — listen, Kawhi is the No. 1. And I am totally fine with that. I think I try to complement him with being able to take the load off of him,” said George.
According to George, he won’t let ego get in the way of the two forming a successful partnership that will bring an NBA title to the franchise.
“Everybody says, ‘Kawhi [and] you are 1 and 1, [or] 1A, 1B.’ I’ll publicly say, I’m the 2. Kawhi’s the 1, I’m the 2. So that part we nipped in the bud,” he added.
Since teaming up in LA ahead of the 2019–20 NBA season, George and Leonard made two postseason trips and managed to reach the Conference Finals. However, there is a sense that they have left much to be desired. The duo struggled with injuries at various points, including Leonard missing the entire past season due to an ACL tear, making Clippers believe that they still haven’t seen the full potential of their wing duo.
