Many have wondered whether Kawhi Leonard would support Paul George's decision to leave the Los Angeles Clippers for the Philadelphia 76ers.
Leonard understandably didn't want to discuss George's withdrawal after the U.S. team practiced a few weeks ago, but made it clear he didn't disagree with the nine-time All-Star's decision.
Per George's opening comments earlier this week, not only has he spoken with Leonard since deciding to choose the Sixers in free agency, but the two-time champion has given his approval of George as the new head coach.
“Kawhi spoke highly of him,” George said of Nick Nurse. “Kawhi talks, you listen. I learned that.”
Leonard's time under Coach Nurse was short. After a long stint with the San Antonio Spurs, Leonard moved to Toronto ahead of the 2018-2019 NBA season. At the time, Coach Nurse was a rookie NBA head coach and had a clear short-term schedule with Leonard as a core player.
It's no exaggeration to say they achieved success in the short time they spent together.
Leonard appeared in 60 regular season games under Nurse and 24 playoff games as the Raptors defeated the Golden State Warriors to win the franchise's first NBA Finals title.
The following summer, Leonard left the Raptors as a free agent to join the Clippers. He'd played alongside George in L.A. for the past four seasons, and now George will get a chance to play for Nurse.
“We're still getting to know each other, but it's been a great time hanging out with him,” George concluded. “Also someone you can learn from from afar. I see how hard his teams play and the respect the players have for him is immense. … I have a lot of respect for Coach Nurse and I'm looking forward to being coached by him.”
