Clippers News: Paul George Debut Could Be Sooner Than Expected

All eyes will be on the Los Angeles Clippers for the 2019-20 NBA season although new recruit Paul George may not be ready by opening night. The 29-year-old is still recuperating from surgeries on both of his shoulders although he is targeting a return in November.

George had an operation for his right rotator cuff and also underwent minor surgery to repair a partial tear on his left labrum. He continues to undergo rehabilitation but it appears he is healing on schedule.

"I'm where I want to be right now at this point in the season almost starting," George told ESPN's SportsCenter on Sunday. "I like where the progression is going."

He also added that he will not be around during the preseason games. He is questionable for October but could be back by November - his actual target date to return to active basketball duty.

This means that for the early portion of the coming NBA season, Kawhi Leonard will have the spotlight to himself. Of course, he will be in good company with the likes of Lou Williams, Patrick Beverly and Montrezl Harrell. Head coach Doc Rivers is expected to employ temporary adjustments, aware that George is likely to need time to adjust to his new team.

As mentioned in a previous post, one position that needs to be addressed is the middle. Harrell has been filling up the slack but is seen as a bit undersized by critics. The Clips were originally set to work out Joakim Noah before things broke down. However, Los Angeles still has one open roster spot and the Clippers can still hook up any available big men moving forward.

Once George officially suits up for the Clippers, it will be interesting how his tandem with Leonard will work out. Many are excited to see the two rising stars side-by-side. On paper, the Clips look daunting but everyone knows the story may show something different in actual competition.

The responsibility of making it all work out falls at the hands of Rivers. The one-time NBA champion coach knows how to work with multiple stars and he is likely to do the same with Leonard, George and the rest of the Clippers.