Basketball from a fans perspective

It's done
I'm still on vacation however the breaking news forced me to place my thoughts before you.  The final free agent signing dropped a bomb on most of us.  After weeks of speculation Kawhi Leonard made it official, his choice was the Clippers rather than the Lakers or Raptors.  Even more interesting the various members of the media speculating on the decision.  For every 3 media members having Kawhi with the Lakers 2 others had him returning to the Raptors while 3 others claimed it was the Clippers.  How does this development impact the NBA and more important the Western Conference?  The Clippers, thought to be a playoff team only now become NBA championship contenders. 

The piece that allowed Kawhi comfort was the Clippers acquiring Paul George from the Thunder in a trade.  The Lakers remain in the mix for the conference and NBA championship but the outlook for the west changed dramatically.  Weeks ago the speculation was the Warriors and Thunder would earn playoff berths but not contend for a championship.  With KD now a member of the Nets and Klay Thompson sidelined until February the Warriors might miss the playoffs.  They are not the only team that might be M.I.A. in 2020 so might the Thunder.  With Paul George they had a reliable, steady option.  Danilo Gallinari and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander must prove they are ready for the challenge.  Best guess without a trade the Thunder watch the playoffs in the same manner as many of us.....on television.  That's all for now, see you on Tuesday.