7 NBA stars with the most to prove in the 2023-24 season

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 20: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers and Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks react during the first quarter at the Wells Fargo Center on October 20, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /

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NBA Star #3 and #2: Paul George & Kawhi Leonard

When critics speak of windows and the potential of them closing, the Los Angeles Clippers is one of the first franchises that comes to mind. And in this rare instance, it is not because of a lack of roster talent. The biggest obstacle to their ultimate success has been injuries to their dynamic duo.

For the first four years of the Paul George and Kawhi Leonard experience, the team has made the Western Conference Semifinals and the Western Conference Finals, missed the playoffs, and lost in the first round. A major contributor to the instability was a combined 302 regular season and playoff games missed between the two.

Year five of the pairing is an important one, as it comes one season before both George and Leonard can opt out of their contracts and two years before they can both enter unrestricted free agency. For a little added pressure, their opt-out year is also the same season the Clippers move into their own arena, the Intuit Done.

Winning is not only imperative to prove to George and Leonard that they can pull off greatness by sticking together, but it is also important to show the franchise that their $97.6 million price tag is the right combination to add to the expenses of a new building.

Fortunately for everyone, the two will have every chance to show their excellence on the court together, as they will both be coming into the season for the first time with health and a full training camp.

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