The 2024-25 NBA season kicked off with the Los Angeles Clippers facing the Phoenix Suns, but Kawhi Leonard was absent from the game.
Leonard’s Rollercoaster Journey
Kawhi Leonard has been a mystery for Clippers fans since he joined in 2019. His time in L.A. has been filled with highs and lows, often due to injuries. Once hailed as a top-five player after his success with the Toronto Raptors, his frequent absences have left fans wondering if he can still make an impact at age 33.
The Availability Dilemma
Leonardโs skill on the court is undeniable, yet his frequent absences pose a challenge for the Clippers. Although he played 68 games last seasonโhis most since leaving San Antonioโit still raises questions about his reliability. Some say teams are partly to blame for resting players to keep them healthy for crucial games later on.
We all wish Kawhi could play every game without any issues.
League Efforts Against Load Management
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has tried to curb load management by introducing policies like the Player Participation Policy. However, it seems these efforts fade away as the season progresses. For instance, Joel Embiid mentioned he might avoid playing back-to-back games throughout his careerโa statement that likely frustrated Silver.
Kawhi’s Injury Concerns
While Leonard doesnโt openly discuss avoiding games like Embiid does, his knee problems are well-known and seem to cause cautious decisions by him and the team. This injury issue dates back to last season when he missed crucial games and playoffs.
Despite being remembered for greatness in San Antonio and Toronto, Leonardโs current status keeps him from being seen alongside todayโs top NBA stars due to his inconsistent presence on the court.
