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Kawhi Leonard and Paul George were rolled out as Los Angeles Clippers at an introductory press conference on Wednesday, with both players beaming that they finally will be wearing the same uniform.

George had recently finished his rookie season with Indiana when the Pacers selected Leonard selected 15th overall in the 2011 NBA Draft. But instead of keeping Leonard, the Pacers dealt him to the San Antonio Spurs, and now he is perhaps the best player in the NBA after leading the Toronto Raptors to the NBA title in June.

“I remember when I was at Indy and we drafted Kawhi,” George said at the press conference. “I was a little confused by it because Kawhi was my position. I was a bit nervous for that competition that was coming.

“We fast forward that, knowing what I know now and being the player that I am, and the player he developed into, I wish we would have kept that pick. I wish we would have progressed together. We could have done some special things at Indiana, but it’s great to fast forward where we are now. We’re both here in L.A., and it just seems like this was destined. We were supposed to play together.”

The Clippers are hoping their new star duo will deliver a championship or two. While the Lakers used to be known as “Showtime,” the Clippers are ready to match them in “Startime.”

Leonard signed a three-year, $103 million deal as a free agent, and George requested a trade from the Oklahoma City Thunder with three years remaining on a four-year, $137 million contract.

Leonard, a two-time NBA Finals MVP, recruited George to join him in Los Angeles — George is from Palmdale to the north, Leonard from Riverside to the east — and sees George’s two-way game as a good complement to his.

“Now we’re on the Clippers and it’s just, I think we got something special and we can make history here.” Leonard said. “We got the right team to do it … I’m ready to go.”

Leonard said “I’m on my next journey,” but took time to thank the Raptors and city of Toronto for his one-year stay in Canada.

He took note of his lack of social media prowess — delivering an awkward laugh — as the non-media folks in attendance roared.

“I want to thank the Toronto Raptors fans. I don’t have social media so I’m not able to put out a paragraph or whatever,” Leonard said with the laugh. “I thank Toronto, the city, the country. It was a great, amazing season. The best parade ever. …

“The whole organization. I thank the whole city. Thank you.”

When it was brought up that the Clippers live in the shadow of the Los Angeles Lakers, Leonard was ready with a counter punch.

“In the last few years, from the basketball standpoint, the Clippers have been better,” Leonard said. “… If we go to the championship and win and we don’t get no coverage, that’s fine with me.”

George, a six-time All-Star, had similar thoughts when the team that lists LeBron James and Anthony Davis on its roster was brought up.

“We got our own identity, we’re chasing something else,” George said. “We’re not looking at the ‘Battle of L.A.’ We’ve got bigger things in mind.”

George also made mention of his most recent team and expressed his gratitude that the Thunder agreed to send him to the Clippers.

“I’m extremely excited and extremely happy to be back home,” George said. “First and foremost I just want to thank the whole Thunder organization. … It was a great two years there for me. But, ultimately, they helped me find my way back home to L.A., and I’m very appreciative of that moment.”

The most excited person in the building was Clippers owner Steve Ballmer, who repeatedly yelled like someone hyping a wrestling match when it was his turn to speak.

“I’m pumped to say hello as Clippers to Paul and Kawhi,” Ballmer screamed, encouraging the audience to stand up and get excited. “… We have two guys that I am so excited to have. Two guys who are tough. I love the toughness.”

Clippers coach Doc Rivers knows titles aren’t won during press conferences. But he could feel the energy and sees good things occurring in the near future.

“This is a great moment, but it’s not our finest moment,” Rivers said. “That’s coming. We’re here to celebrate. This feels like a movement. Today is more about what’s coming.”

–Field Level Media