“Kawhi Leonard is The MOST like Michael Jordan”: How $60 Million Worth Doc Rivers Lost $50,000 in Tampering Fines For The Klaw

Kawhi Leonard is perhaps the most important player on the Los Angeles Clippers. Having joined the organization in 2019, he has been integral to its success.  But, prior to joining the Clippers, The Klaw had a one-hit wonder of a season with the Toronto Raptors.

Leading them to their first-ever NBA Championship, he caught the eyes of many, the Clippers included. Unfortunately, the off-season wasn’t underway just yet, and it was here that the LA outfit made a costly mistake.

Prior to the 2019 NBA Finals, then-Clippers head coach Doc Rivers was invited onto ESPN’s NBA Finals Preview show. A gig or any talk show gig for that matter that coaches and executives tend to avoid. Why? Because as Doc showed when he compared Kawhi to Michael Jordan, it can cost you $50,000.

Doc Rivers cost the LA Clippers $50,000 when he mentioned Kawhi Leonard and Michael Jordan in the same vein

Something that the NBA considers to be a general “no-no” is when head coaches and executives talk shop once the trade deadline is over. In fact, it is strictly forbidden to discuss the future of certain players, let alone their in-game performances. In other words, it’s a line that shouldn’t be crossed and a very big line at that.

However, during the 2019 NBA Finals, then-LA Clippers head coach Doc Rivers saw the line and crossed it nonetheless. Appearing on ESPN’s NBA Finals Preview show, Rivers decided to discuss Kawhi Leonard. A man, who at the time was a few weeks away from entering free agency.

Rivers compared The Klaw to the GOAT, Michael Jordan. And, in the process, cost the Clippers $50,000!

Of course, the fine would have directly come out from Rivers’ paycheck. But, considering his net worth of $60 million, it would hardly make a dent in his account. As for Kawhi, he joined the Clippers in 2019 free agency and has had an up-and-down four seasons with the team.

Kawhi’s stint with the Clippers has been filled with highs and lows

It has been four seasons since Kawhi Leonard joined the Clippers. And, while he is a brilliant paper, he has unfortunately become a model of inconsistency. There can be no denying that when on the court, he is sensational, but his injury proneness has made this stint rather difficult. Not only did he miss the entirety of the 2021-2022 season, but he also finds himself as the “poster boy” of load management.

In all honesty, it is a cause for concern. But, as things stand, he is healthy and is really strutting his stuff against the Phoenix Suns. Hopefully, he is able to finally take the team all the way to the NBA Finals.