"You don't need that many stars to win" - Kawhi Leonard offers optimistic view on Paul George's departure
After joining the LA Clippers in the same offseason five years ago, Kawhi Leonard now finds himself without his longtime running mate Paul George. As the new-look squad navigates this massive change, the former Finals MVP touched on being down a star player.
During the first week of the regular season last year, the Clippers brought in another high-level talent by trading for James Harden. Now, LA finds themselves back to a two-star roster model. Harden and Leonard are expected to lead the charge, alongside a strong cast of complementary players.
While speaking about the Clippers' situation, Kawhi Leonard was able to provide an optimistic outlook. He feels having competent role players is as important as star talent when it comes to contending.
"You don't need that many stars to win," Leonard told ESPN. "It's about the amount of people you have around you. You need talent. If it's three superstars, you still need those role players or piece players within that team to make you win a championship, even if it's two or one [star] player."
Leonard is yet to debut this season as he continues to deal with inflammation in his right knee. At this time, there is no timetable for when he'll be able to join his teammates on the court.
Without the services of their top player, the Clippers have started this season with a 3-4 record through the first two weeks.
Kawhi Leonard has remained confident in the Clippers' ability to compete without Paul George
This is not the first time Kawhi Leonard has spoken confidently about the LA Clippers and their roster. Since Paul George left for the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency, the six-time All-Star has shown good faith in his teammates.
During the Clippers' training camp in October also, Leonard was asked about PG's departure and what it meant for the team. Similar to his latest comments, he feels LA can be a competitive squad with the group of players currently on the roster.
"Yes, things change, players are gone," Leonard told ESPN at Clippers camp in Hawai'i last month. "Do I feel like I could win with [these] players? I feel like I could win with the players that are on the roster."
Aside from James Harden, the Clippers have numerous talented players still on the team. In the early parts of the season, multiple guys have thrived with a bigger opportunity with PG gone.
Norman Powell is leading the charge with a career-high 24.9 points per game, and Ivica Zubac is averaging a double-double on the season (17.4 points, 13.0 rebounds).
There's no denying the talent on the Clippers' roster, but Kawhi Leonard is still the biggest piece to the whole operation. If he can't stay on the floor consistently, they have no chance at contending in the Western Conference.