Paul George stands conscious that he is the Robin behind the Batman in Kawhi Leonard for the Los Angeles Clippers.
George cites key examples of some notable one-two punch combinations in league history that he can emulate with Leonard. As such, he is fully aware that the two-time Finals MVP is the main man of the franchise.
“Yeah, look at the [Miami Heat] wing-wing DWade [Dwyane Wade] and LeBron [James],” George told ESPN’s Ong Youngmisuk. “I think it just comes down to — listen, Kawhi is the No. 1. And I am totally fine with that. I think I try to complement him with being able to take the load off of him.
“Everybody says, ‘Kawhi [and] you are 1 and 1, [or] 1A, 1B.’ I’ll publicly say, I’m the 2. Kawhi’s the 1, I’m the 2. So that part we nipped in the bud. Like there’s no ego when it comes to that.”
In the 2019 offseason, both Leonard and George joined forces to aid the Clippers in winning its first title. Despite coming off an MVP-calibre season from the Oklahoma City Thunder, George openly paved the way to let the front seat be occupied by Leonard, who, on the other hand, was fresh from a phenomenal postseason and championship run with the Toronto Raptors.
For Leonard, the bond he shares with George is nothing but special. For being there with each other side-by-side for nearly four seasons, he understands their deep collaboration as teammates and superstar partners.
“We’re both unselfish,” Leonard said. “My 12th year, his 13th year … we’ve been through this before, so I feel like just having those years under our belt and, obviously, like I said, we have a genuine relationship, and it just carries over [into how we lead].”
After a downing 2021-2022 season, both George and Leonard can only aspire that the upcoming basketball year will be there with the Clippers franchizs. Their egoless approach and willingness to lead as the primary cogs of the ball club are undeniably crucial for their advancement to claim that elusive and ultimate prize.
