Stale offense and internal conflict cited by former OKC Thunder players
Paul George:
A year removed from Paul George re-signing with the OKC Thunder it’s hard not to recall some of the sentiments the star was spouting.
Paul George says he still has “love” for the Lakers, but couldn't join them because he felt he had unfinished business with Russell Westbrook and the Thunderhttps://t.co/9acZSOaukU pic.twitter.com/cFPSQcWxX3
— Silver Screen and Roll (@LakersSBN) July 27, 2018
At the time he inked his contract the fanbase watched as Westbrook threw a big party and videos hit social media of the duo smoking cigars and seemingly in it for the long haul. Just one season into his four-year contract George forced his way off the team and ignited this summer’s fire sale.
Since his arrival in LA, the star hasn’t held back brazenly stating he and Kawhi Leonard are the best duo in the NBA. Sorry if this comes across as bitter, but isn’t PG taking for granted how much Westbrook sacrificed so that George could flourish? Likewise, is George underestimating the team defense which surrounded him in OKC and helped make him a Defensive Player of the Year candidate?
There is no arguing Kawhi Leonard is a top three-star in this league. I’m just not sold Paul George will reap the same rewards Westbrook helped him receive. The Clippers aren’t a team with a ton of playmaking (ranked 18th last season). As good as Leonard is his 3.3 assists with the Raptors were a career-high and they replace the 3.3 assists Shai Gigeous-Alexander dished out.
Does he not recognize what a creature of habit Westbrook is and how his game suffered in order to make sure George was the focus? The irony, of course, is much of the salt heaped upon the OKC Thunder and their lacking offense was largely due to a system designed to feature Paul George.