Although the Los Angeles Clippers had one of the most talented rosters in the NBA this season, they also had significant chemistry issues.
Several players on the team were upset with how the team’s brass allowed superstar Kawhi Leonard to take games off in order to manage his body.
"Players like Patrick Beverley, Montrezl Harrell and Lou Williams—Clippers bedrocks before the arrival of Leonard and George—bristled when Leonard was permitted to take games off to manage his body and to live in San Diego." 😯
– @jovanbuha
(Via The Athletic) pic.twitter.com/kunQv5QOqO— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) October 16, 2020
Leonard came to the Clippers as a free agent last summer. Along with the trade for Paul George, it was a move that made the team a major favorite to win the NBA championship.
But with Leonard taking games off throughout the season, the Clippers struggled at times and were inconsistent on the defensive end.
The issues culminated with the team blowing a 3-1 series lead in the second round of the playoffs to the Denver Nuggets.
Leonard wasn’t the only source of discontent for the Clippers this season.
Some players bristled at George trying to offer words of encouragement during their series against Denver.
While stars are typically expected to serve as team leaders, it appears Leonard and George have work to do in that category.
