Paul George’s father, Paul George Sr., recently voiced his disappointment with the Los Angeles Clippers after the team chose not to re-sign his son during the offseason. George Sr. expressed his frustration over how the situation was handled, particularly given the significant contributions his son made to the team during his tenure.
In an episode of “Podcast P with Paul George,” George Sr. shared his feelings about the Clippers’ decision, saying, “I felt like they stabbed us in the back because I thought Paul did a lot for the team.” He added that both he and his son had hoped to remain in Los Angeles, where they had built a life and established roots.
After the contract negotiations fell through, Paul George, a nine-time All-Star, opted to test free agency. He eventually signed with the Philadelphia 76ers, continuing his quest for his first NBA championship ring.
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However, George Sr.’s comments didn’t go unnoticed, especially by NFL Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe. The former three-time Super Bowl champion didn’t mince words in his response, emphasizing the hefty price the Clippers paid to acquire George in the first place. On his “Nightcap” podcast, Sharpe highlighted the sacrifices the Clippers made in 2019 when they traded for George from the Oklahoma City Thunder.
“It’s tough when you think about what they gave up to get him,” Sharpe remarked. “They gave up Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. They gave up those draft picks, they gave up swap picks. I mean, they gave up a lot to get him. You look at all the draft picks they surrendered to get PG, and they only went to the conference finals.”
To bring Paul George to Los Angeles, the Clippers traded away rising star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, veteran Danilo Gallinari, unprotected first-round picks in 2021, 2022, 2024, 2025, and 2026, as well as first-round pick swaps in 2023 and 2026. The move was designed to pair George with Kawhi Leonard, forming a superstar duo that was expected to lead the Clippers to new heights.
However, despite the high expectations, the Clippers struggled to live up to their potential, making only one conference finals appearance during George’s time with the team. Injuries plagued both George and Leonard, limiting their ability to consistently perform at their best. Over five seasons with the Clippers, George played just 263 games, averaging 23.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game.
Sharpe’s critique underscores the enormous investment the Clippers made in acquiring George and the limited return they received in terms of playoff success. The trade that was meant to transform the Clippers into a championship contender ultimately fell short, leading to the current situation where George has moved on to the 76ers, leaving the Clippers to reassess their future.
As Paul George begins a new chapter in Philadelphia, his father’s disappointment and Sharpe’s candid analysis serve as a reminder of the high stakes and unforgiving nature of professional sports, where even the best-laid plans can unravel in unexpected ways.
