The Los Angeles Clippers have been this close to true greatness for several seasons now.
Many of us remember when Chris Paul was lobbing it up to Blake Griffin as the team emerged from the depths of Western Conference more than a decade ago.
But things entered a new era three years ago when the team made a massive trade to change the future of the franchise.
Three years ago today, the Clippers made a trade for PG and signed free agent Kawhi Leonard.
At the time, @stephenasmith called it a "power move" 😤 @ESPNNBA pic.twitter.com/w9XGEVpx3Q
— ESPN (@espn) July 6, 2022
It was three years ago that the Clippers landed both Paul George and Kawhi Leonard in a mammoth move that was set to shake up the Western Conference and, ultimately, the entire league.
So far, that promise from the Clippers has not become a reality.
But will this deal that Stephen A. Smith called a “power move of epic proportions” eventually pay off?
Look Out, Los Angeles
The Clippers have not lived up to their potential since George and Leonard came on board.
Yes, the team has gotten a lot better but it’s never reached the Finals.
Of course, some major injuries have stood in their way, including one that has kept Leonard off the court for more than a year.
But that’s all set to change in the months ahead: George is healthy again, Leonard is about to come back, and the team just made a big signing with John Wall.
So now the team has its own big three, including two players who have been dead set on winning it all since they joined three years ago.
Will that be enough?
That’s in doubt because the Western Conference is very deep and intimidating.
But the Clippers now have their best chance of going all the way.
NEXT: John Wall Makes His Next Destination Official