"76ers' Paul George Bears No Grudges as He Faces Clippers"
A few hours prior to facing the Los Angeles Clippers for the first time since leaving as a free agent, Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George affirmed that he holds no resentment towards the team.
George spent five seasons with the Clippers before being enticed to join Philadelphia in the offseason with a lucrative four-year, $212 million contract.
\"The narrative was not accurately portrayed, regarding my relationship with Lawrence Frank and Steve Ballmer,\" George stated to reporters during a mid-day practice at UCLA. \"They were fantastic during my entire time here. That's why my decision to leave in free agency was so surprising. They were great.\"
\"It was refreshing to have a partnership like that with a front office. That was probably the highlight of my time here, how great they were during my tenure.\"
Frank serves as the Clippers' president of basketball operations, while Ballmer is the team's owner.
Ultimately, both sides made business decisions.
\"People don't realize that business is business. They made a decision that was best for the organization, and that's okay,\" George explained. \"I made a decision that was best for myself and my family. There's no hard feelings. I still have love and appreciation for those guys. But it's just part of the business.\"
The nine-time All-Star still speaks highly of coach Tyronn Lue and will always cherish his time with the Clippers.
\"Every year was special. Every year was great. Steve was amazing. T-Lue was amazing. Lawrence was amazing. And the guys I played with were amazing. So, I will always have love for this organization. This is my home, but this organization is top-notch, and I am grateful to have been a part of it.\"
George missed the first five games of the season due to a left knee injury, but made his debut for Philadelphia in Monday's 118-116 loss to the Phoenix Suns.
The 34-year-old scored 15 points on 4-of-14 shooting, including a missed 23-footer that would have tied the game with 3.4 seconds remaining.
In 263 regular-season games with the Clippers, George averaged 23 points and six rebounds. The team reached the Western Conference finals in 2021, but failed to make the playoffs the following season and were eliminated in the first round in the past two years.
