The Los Angeles Clippers have had a conflictive road to kickstart their NBA campaign. The franchise currently sits in fifth, with 32 games gone by. Considering protagonist Kawhi Leonard has picked up significant injuries since the season commenced, it’s understandable that the franchise has struggled.
Advertisement
And although an argument will ensue that the roster still possesses one of the foremost ‘3&D’ stars in the league in Paul George. But the fact remains in a dynamic sport like the NBA, the odds are George’s efforts alone will be in vain as they burn him out.
Kawhi Leonard’s decorated portfolio speaks volumes and needs no introduction. The accolades the 31-year-old has received since he stepped foot into the league are unfathomable beyond measure.
This is why the Clippers and its supporters need to be patient in their wait to capture an NBA championship and look forward to Leonard’s return and guidance. NBA champion Kevin Garnett is of similar belief as well.
Kevin Garnett provides insight on Kawhi Leonard.
Kevin Garnett is one of the distinctive players of his generation. A first-ballot Hall of Famer, Garnett attained the pinnacle of the sport when he captured the NBA title in 2008, with the Boston Celtics. So when the former NBA MVP speaks, people listen.
The Big Ticket hasn’t minced his words regarding his feelings on Clipper’s protagonist Kawhi Leonard on a recent episode of KGCertified.
Garnett said:
“I know he hasn’t played a lot, you know they 7 and 2 when he does play though. Obviously, he gives you that but I don’t think he’s as healthy as we think he is. Or they taking a major precautionary measure with him…People don’t understand, major surgeries..You gotta reheal, your mind has to get more confident, and you got to go through so much of a process to be able to get your mind to a place where your comfortable doing certain things. I see that in him!”
The Klaw is arguably the most unique player the league has ever stumbled upon. For someone whose impact and influence in the regular season are so minimalistic, Leonard is able to comfortably govern the postseason without fail year in, and year out.
In hindsight, the primary reason for that must be the extensive amount of rest he gets, which in turn helps him to rejuvenate himself, just in time for the playoffs. Where he usually fires on all cylinders.
The 2022/2023 Los Angeles Clippers!
The front office has done an exceptional job in putting together a world-class roster. Complementary stars to aid and assist talisman, Kawhi Leonard, and Paul George.
George and Leonard since their homecoming in 2019, have failed to achieve their primary objective of capturing a title with the franchise. Nonetheless, the pair have displayed that the hierarchy is right to put their faith in them on numerous occasions.
Leonard has since returned to the floor with his teammates and has helped the franchise beat the Washington Wizards in his latest outing. The Klaw recorded a stat line of 31 points, nine rebounds, and three steals, driving them to victory.
Given that ‘The Klaw’ has been battling an ongoing injury, his performance is indicative of the fact that with time, the puzzle will align. Not to mention, the average individual usually requires about the same time that Leonard took to recover from such a substantial injury.
It’s certainly salvation for the Clippers faithful to have an identity and figure like him representing their organization. With that being said, this might just be the final year of the Kawhi Leonard and Paul George experiment if the duo doesn’t deliver when the time comes.
