The Board Man got paid! Kawhi Leonard, aka Fun Guy, pulled off one of the most silent and impactful signings of all-time. Not only was he able to keep the noise down around his camp, but he was able to facilitate a trade to get Paul George out of Oklahoma City to join him on the Los Angeles Clippers.
Sources: Oklahoma City is getting a massive package of future picks, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Danilo Galllinari, to deliver Kawhi Leonard who he wanted to partner with: Paul George. https://t.co/4bGpMNat8K
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 6, 2019
From the end of the moratorium, through the “Fourth of Kawhi”, fans and media alike were glued to their mobile devices expecting the ever so famous ‘Woj bomb’.
While the Los Angeles Clippers gave up an unprecedented amount of assets to acquire George, they remain confident in their roster. With two All-NBA talents on the roster, they immediately became title contenders.
The Clippers are sending the Thunder four unprotected first-round picks, one protected first-round pick and two pick swaps, league sources tell ESPN. Those picks go to OKC with Gallinari and SGA.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 6, 2019
Adding Leonard and George to an already gritty roster can make fans giggle at the potential for next season. Let’s take a look at what the rotation might look like this fall:
PG: Patrick Beverley, Lou Williams
SG: Paul George, Landry Shamet
SF: Kawhi Leonard, Maurice Harkless
PF: Montrezl Harrell, JaMychal Green
C: Ivica Zubac
Here is where things get interesting. The Clippers can start “big” with Harrell and Zubac in the frontcourt. This will allow Harrell to get physical with opposing big men, while Zubac mans the paint. Alternatively, they can shift Shamet into the starting shooting guard position, with Leonard and George at the forward positions. This look gives them more ball handlers and shooting to start while keeping Zubac in the paint.
We’ve seen Coach Doc Rivers take the Celtics to the Finals twice, winning one of them. We also saw him coach an average Clippers roster to overachieving last season. If anyone can figure out those good problems, he can.
Regardless of how they choose to start out games, good luck dribbling near the Beverley/George/Leonard trio. When you’re done figuring that out, have fun with three-time Sixth Man of the Year winner Williams coming off the bench as a heat check player. With Zubac’s promise and the versatility of Harkless and Green, this team is well balanced.
While they strike an amazing balance, they do have a potential hole at the center. With Zubac being the only 7-footer, they will have to rely on a combo of Harrell (6’8”) and Green (6’9”) to do a lot of the dirty work.
Smart moves lead to a big splash in free agency and the Clippers got their man. If healthy, they could be one of the very last teams standing. Board Man has changed the landscape of the NBA, and we’ll be watching very closely as he tries to win a third title with his third franchise.
