Clippers HC Can’t Wait to Prove People Wrong After Losing Paul George

Losing a star player is never easy and the Los Angeles Clippers are dealing with that reality this offseason. After the team couldn’t come to terms on a new contract with star forward Paul George, the two sides agreed to part ways after five years together.

Read more: Paul George Felt Insulted by Clippers in Contract Negotiations

George signed with the Philadelphia 76ers and the Clippers were left scrambling to put together a decent enough replacement. To the credit of the Los Angeles front office, they did add some nice depth to the roster. But replacing a player like George is tricky.

This is especially true when the Clippers have dealt with multiple injury issues to their other star player, Kawhi Leonard. Leonard and guard James Harden will now lead the team forward as they search for a way to get over the hump in the tough Western Conference.

Read more: Clippers Head Coach Ty Lue Provides Major Update on Kawhi Leonard Injury

But if you ask head coach Tyronn Lue, he isn’t that worried about losing George. In fact, he is excited to prove people wrong about his team this season.

“When you lose a guy of Paul George’s stature, instantly people [think] oh, they can’t win or they’re not going to be competitive,” Lue told ESPN last week. “But that just challenges me even more. OK, people are counting us out or people don’t think we’re going to be good. That right there just gives me an extra dose of [motivation]. I can’t wait to prove everybody wrong.”

Last year, George averaged 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. He also shot 41.3 percent from beyond the 3-point line, so his level of production will be tough to replace.

But Lue is driven by doubters and this will be the ultimate test for the Clippers. Los Angeles added more defensive-minded players to the team such as forwards Derrick Jones Jr. and Nicolas Batum, as well as guard Kris Dunn.

They also added Kevin Porter Jr., who should give the unit a spark on offense. The Clippers’ plan seems to be replacing George as a unit, rather than with one player.

The overall success of the Clippers will be determined by the health of Leonard, though. He has missed time due to injury consistently, hurting this team come playoff time.

But Lue confirmed that Leonard would be ready to go for training camp, a massive positive sign for the Clippers.

“I speak to him all the time,” Lue told ESPN last week. “He’ll be ready for [Clippers] training camp. He’s feeling good and I know he’ll be ready for training camp.”

If Leonard can stay on the floor and Harden continues to run the offense at a high level, the Clippers can at least get themselves into the postseason. Once there, anything can happen, especially with Lue as the head coach.

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