When the 2019-2020 NBA season began, Los Angeles Clippers fans were ecstatic about the arrival of two-time NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard. The excitement heightened with the addition of six-time All-Star Paul George. And to complete their powerhouse trio, they signed experienced forward Marcus Morris. These three players are instrumental in Clippers’ success, and they are undeniably one of the best trios in the league. Let’s take a closer look at each of them.
Paul George: A Versatile and Tenacious Forward
Paul George was acquired by the Clippers from the Oklahoma City Thunder in a trade that sent Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari, and several future draft picks to the Thunder. George is a six-time All-Star and four-time All-NBA selection. He is known for his versatility, as he can play both forward positions and is considered one of the best two-way players in the game. He is an elite scorer, averaging over 20 points per game for the past six seasons. George’s tenacity on the defensive end is noteworthy, as he has been named to the All-Defensive team four times.
Kawhi Leonard: The Silent Assassin
Kawhi Leonard is a two-time NBA Finals MVP, a three-time All-Star, and a two-time Defensive Player of the Year. He is known for his stoic demeanor on and off the court, earning him the nickname “The Silent Assassin.” Leonard is a force to be reckoned with on both ends of the floor, and his clutch performances in the playoffs have been instrumental in leading his teams to championships. He joined the Clippers in 2019 after leading the Toronto Raptors to their first NBA championship.
Marcus Morris: A Veteran Presence and a Reliable Scorer
Marcus Morris was signed by the Clippers in February 2020 after he was bought out by the New York Knicks. He brought a veteran presence and playoff experience to the team, having played for several teams in his nine-year career. Morris is a reliable scorer and a three-point threat, shooting over 40% from beyond the arc in the past two seasons. His toughness and physicality on the court make him an essential part of the Clippers’ roster.
The Trio’s Impact on the Clippers
The arrival of Paul George and Kawhi Leonard and the signing of Marcus Morris elevated the Clippers’ roster to championship contenders. The trio’s impact on the team’s success cannot be overstated. They are all exceptional players with different skill sets that complement each other on the court. George and Leonard are the primary scorers, with Morris providing additional scoring and physicality. Their defensive prowess has been a key factor in the Clippers’ success, as they are one of the best defensive teams in the league. The trio’s chemistry on and off the court has also been a significant factor in their success, with each player sacrificing personal stats for the team’s success.
The Clippers’ Chances in the 2021 NBA Playoffs
The Clippers are one of the favorites to win the NBA championship in the 2021 playoffs. With the trio of George, Leonard, and Morris, they have the talent and experience to go all the way. However, they face stiff competition from teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, Brooklyn Nets, and Utah Jazz. The playoffs are a different beast, and anything can happen, but the Clippers’ trio is as good as any in the league.
Conclusion
The Clippers’ trio of Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, and Marcus Morris is one of the best in the league. They are all exceptional players with their own unique skill sets, and their chemistry on and off the court has been a significant factor in the team’s success. With the NBA playoffs approaching, the trio will be instrumental in the Clippers’ championship aspirations. If they can stay healthy and perform up to their potential, they could be lifting the NBA championship trophy at the end of the season.