Hoops Habit
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Paul George and Kawhi Leonard are not done overcoming obstacles yet

By Albert Dadson

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 22: Kawhi Leonard #2 is congratulated by Paul George #13 of the Los Angeles Clippers during the second half of a game against the Houston Rockets at Staples Center on November 22, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 22: Kawhi Leonard #2 is congratulated by Paul George #13 of the Los Angeles Clippers during the second half of a game against the Houston Rockets at Staples Center on November 22, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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LA Clippers (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
LA Clippers (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

Clippers Secret Weapon: Paul George

Before the days of COVID the 2019-20 NBA season started and it was highly anticipated. Most can remember that the LA Clippers had to start the season without Paul George though.

George’s nagging shoulder injury hindered him in the playoffs and it kept him out of games to start the season. Now George is healthy though due to the hiatus.

George had this to say:

"“I had some insecurities to start the season off,” George said. “I had insecurities throughout the season just because I wasn’t all the way 100. Shoulder didn’t feel back to 100. Everything was kind of waiting and hoping, believing in the doctors that everything they were telling me was going to come into this moment now where I feel great, no shoulder issues.”"

Shoulder injury aside George knew he would have to take a step down to let Leonard become the leader. He has stepped in his robin role gracefully and has been a great counterpart.

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George has been the first option for basically his whole career. He is coming off an MVP caliber season last year and it was his best year as a pro. He was able to conquer the challenge of being a second option and now his team is in the best position that it has been in since his days with the Indiana Pacers.

He has won a lot of games in his career and has put teams on his back. George hasn’t been out of the first round in the playoffs ever since the 2013-14 season. Now the challenge is even greater than it was before. There will be no home games. No fans will be there. You will be without seeing loved ones for a long time. How will George handle the pressure?

This is a crucial period for Paul George. What will he do with his greatest chance to win a championship in a long time? While nobody will be there everybody will be watching. Staying healthy will be key for George. He will of course have to avoid a positive COVID test but also the shoulders will be put to the test.

A title this season will change the course of George’s career.

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