“Kawhi Leonard was accepted; the other new guys weren’t”: Doc Rivers dishes on Clippers players not liking Paul George

Doc Rivers talks about some of the newer Los Angeles Clippers signees from last year weren’t very well liked by teammates.

The Los Angeles Clippers had perhaps the 2 most jaw-dropping offseason acquisitions in recent history back in 2019. MVP-calibre wings Kawhi Leonard and Paul George both made their way to the Clips.

The Clippers were deemed as the favourites to win the 2020 NBA championship due to guys having championship experience, solid veterans, and the best bench depth in the NBA.

However, it didn’t pan out the way the Clippers wanted it to as they were knocked out of the Playoffs in the 2^nd round by the Nuggets.

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As days passed by, reports surged of locker room drama/turmoil, and the lack of chemistry between the players was deemed to be the reason as to why they couldn’t reach the promised land.

Doc Rivers talks about the Clippers’ internal struggles between players.

Former Los Angeles Clippers head coach Doc Rivers, who is now the HC for the 76ers, was given a considerably daunting task. With expectations of a championship, Doc had to integrate the new guys with the existing roster.

Rivers reveals that this was not as easy as he thought it would be. He said, “The guys that were there the year before honestly didn’t accept at least one of the new guys. I thought they accepted Kawhi.”

This isn’t a surprise as players such as Patrick Beverley and Montrezl Harrell have a reputation for being straightforward and hard-nosed.

Who could these players be, who were not liked by their teammates?

The obvious assumption here would be Paul George. Multiple reports of Paul George receiving preferential treatment from the Clippers management, were leaked.

Also Read: ‘Al Capone’: Damian Lillard does not believe Paul George wants to retire with Clippers despite his statement

This included him being able to manage his own minutes, show up to practice whenever he wanted, and much more. This reportedly did not bode well with Clippers ‘OGs’.

It is peculiar however, because Kawhi was also given a similar treatment, but Rivers claims the 2x Finals MVP was still accepted by his peers.