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Kawhi Leonard said he enjoys the challenge of rebounding from the LA Clippers’ stunning 3-1 NBA Playoffs to the Denver Nuggets and will see “how strong” the Clippers are.
As the Clippers prepare to start training camp on Sunday, Leonard and Paul George discussed the team’s inability to meet championship expectations last season and their motivation to wash away the bitter taste of the collapse of their bubble.
“Physically, I feel good,” Leonard said on Friday. “I’m motivated. I want to start, I want to come back after that. It leaves a bad taste in my mouth blowing a 3-1 lead. But I love it. These are things that build the player. These are the things. I love, the challenge. The road to a championship is tough. I love the process. “
“We’ll see how strong we are and if we can build from things like that. That’s what makes players.”
The Clippers believe having Leonard and George healthy and participating early in training camp this season will make a difference after their chemistry struggles last season. Leonard first revealed that he underwent an unspecified procedure during the offseason in 2019 and that is why he and George, who had just had shoulder surgeries in the offseason, didn’t not been able to fully participate in the last preseason camp.
George said “I wasn’t myself” in his first season with the Clippers, but said he felt a lot more comfortable after being able to train this offseason.
“Last year has been an unacceptable year for me, and I know it,” said George, who averaged 20.2 points, 6.1 rebounds and 39.8% in shots in the playoffs. “[This season] I feel really good, in a great place. “
George, who is eligible for a contract extension, said he hopes to retire as Clipper.
“I’m committed, I’m here,” said the 30-year-old. “I want to be here. I want to remove a Clipper. I’ll say it, every year.”
George also sought to clarify comments he made earlier this week on the “All The Smoke” podcast, in which he discussed how he was used by former coach Doc Rivers and how the Clippers did ‘had not made any adjustments as Denver came back from a 3- 1 series deficit in the second round.
“We all take responsibility for it,” said George. “Being one of the best players on the team … I wasn’t playing well enough. Dropping out of a series 3-1 [lead] being on this floor sits with me and haunts me. “
“Doc is a hell of a motivator, a hell of a trainer,” added George. “It doesn’t mean that I agree with everything we’ve done, but it doesn’t downplay that I respect him. … I wanted to clear it up, because the idea is that I don’t don’t respect Doc and put the blame on Doc, which he doesn’t. I’m to blame in this situation as much as anyone. “
George said he and Leonard, 29, want to make sure there is a “winning attitude” and a “winning environment” this season. They chatted with new trainer Ty Lue and can’t wait to get started. And while Leonard knows returning to play amid the COVID-19 pandemic will be difficult, he has said he hopes the team can bond and improve their chemistry after a season that has been disrupted by injuries and circumstances. off the field.
Leonard also said he will continue to lead the squad in the same way he did last season, with his game and taking action when needed, like hosting player-only movie sessions. like he did at one point.
“A coach can’t put a battery behind your back and tell you to play harder to win games,” Leonard said. “You have to have the state of mind.”
Leonard added, “But my leadership role isn’t going to change. I’m just going to keep doing the same thing I’m doing.”
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