Boy, George.
The Clippers have been playing something of a crying game since their last game of the 2020 NBA season, in which they were ousted in the playoffs by the Denver Nuggets: The Athletic's scathing report of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George's preferential treatment, a divide amongst players and chemistry issues shone a pretty negative light on Los Angeles.
On Wednesday, Paul George took it a step further, adding some context and clarity to the Clippers' apparent dysfunction on the "All the Smoke" podcast hosted by Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson, putting the brunt of the blame on fired coach Doc Rivers.
Paul George talks Clippers chemistry issue on #AllTheSmoke next Thursday on https://t.co/YiP8zmH7Ef.@Yg_Trece pic.twitter.com/d3tNR171vV
— SHOWTIME SPORTS (@SHOsports) December 2, 2020
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"The way I was being used — Doc was trying to play me as a Ray Allen or a JJ Redick, all pin-downs. I can do it, but that ain't my game," George said. "I need some flow, I need some mixes of pick-and-rolls, I need some post-ups, just different touches. That last season was just hard overall."
As The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor points out, there's a bit of a paradox in what George is saying about his usage: George played an exceptionally high percentage in pick-and-roll sets last season, the most of his career, meaning, well, he did get the different touches he asked for.
Interesting comment. Paul George finished 33% of his total plays using the pick-and-roll, which was a career-high. The prior high was 25% in OKC, via @SynergySST stats. That’s very different from a Ray Allen or JJ Redick style role. https://t.co/w0n1UDrx1p
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) December 2, 2020
George would go on to say that the Clippers' lack of practice — he said the Clippers didn't practice the "whole year," whatever that means — and adjustments during the playoffs eventually led to the surprising playoff elimination vs. Denver. This, of course, led to the eventual firing of Rivers and hiring of Tyronn Lue.
George and the Clippers are still dealing with lofty championship expectations this upcoming season. LA recently signed Serge Ibaka after losing JaMychal Green and Montrezl Harrell this offseason.
Doc Rivers signed on to be 76ers' head coach in October.
