Paul George returned to Los Angeles Wednesday for the primary time since leaving the Clippers . He didn’t obtain a heat welcome.
Followers on the Intuit Dome greeted the nine-time All-Star with a smattering of boos as he took the court docket, and continued to take action as the sport started.
Paul George saps up whole Clippers sideline and Zu earlier than opening tip
Then he throws Kelly Oubre Jr. out of bounds within the nook as he will get booed
The Wall of Clippers followers at one finish of the world additionally broke out a “PG sucks” chant.
George didn’t make his debut till Monday after he went down with a bone bruise in his left knee within the preseason. He had 15 factors, 5 assists and 4 rebounds however shot simply 1-of-7 from behind the arc of their , however he appeared again to full power after lacking their first 5 video games of the season.
Earlier than Wednesday evening’s recreation, George appeared again on his time with the group and their failed contract negotiations — which, he admits now, was a bit stunning.
His relationship with Clippers proprietor Steve Ballmer and the remainder of the workforce’s entrance workplace by no means soured. But he nonetheless opted to signal a four-year, $212 million cope with the 76ers in free company.
“I think it got kind of misconstrued or [the] narrative kind of wasn’t written correctly with the relationship with [president] Lawrence [Frank], the relationship with Steve Ballmer,” George mentioned earlier than the sport, . “I mean, they were awesome the whole time I was here.
“Sort of the explanation why it was such a stunning determination the way it performed out on the finish. However they have been superior. My time right here, I believe that was form of refreshing to be alongside and have a partnership like that with a entrance workplace. And so I believe that was in all probability the spotlight of the entire [time with the Clippers]. Simply how nice they have been in my tenure right here.”
George spent 5 seasons with the Clippers, who traded for him forward of the 2019-20 marketing campaign. Although George shined in his time with the group, the workforce made it to a convention finals simply as soon as and have been knocked out within the first spherical of the playoffs in every of the final two years.
George and the Clippers initially talked a couple of three-year extension — which is identical deal that Kawhi Leonard received — however negotiations stalled out in the course of the season. After the yr, when the 2 sides sat again down, George both wished a four-year max supply or a no-trade clause.
Finally, the Clippers and George went their separate methods. The deal, which might’ve saved George in his hometown and enjoying alongside Leonard and James Harden, fell aside.
“Paul obviously thought it was the right choice for him [to leave]. I’ll miss him,” Ballmer mentioned, . “Very good human being. Like him a lot, except when they play us. Wish him all the best, just not when they play us. And he was a good Clipper.”
