Part-time cager
For critics, it’s fair to categorize Kawhi Leonard as a parttime player. Thus far, he has suited up in 33 of the Clippers’ 43 matches — which means he’s sidelined roughly once in every four outings. Save for a left knee contusion that had him decommissioned in November, the development is planned and in adherence to a strict load management program that has him sitting out of either game in back-to-back sets. And for all the second-guessing about the plan’s implications on public perception, there can be no disputing its effects to the bottom line.
Indeed, Leonard is an absolute beast when he burns rubber. The Clippers are a heady 25 and eight with him at the helm, and they’re certainly capitalizing on his presence. He’s norming 34.1 possessions per 40 minutes of play (a career-high number that dwarfs previous usage rates), and with reason. Even as his total exposure is down, his stat line is at or near his best ever. And, needless to say, the red, blue, and silver are banking on lightning to strike twice. The Raptors pretty much used him the same way en route to the championship, limiting him to 60 games in the regular season and then unleashing him in the playoffs.
There is, to be sure, a downside to the conservative treatment. Leonard hasn’t exactly endeared himself to fans for doing what he deems is best for himself and his employers. The third and penultimate voting results for the 2020 National Basketball Association All-Star Game places him a poor third in the West frontcourt (notably behind Lakers powerhouses LeBron James and Anthony Davis), and fifth in the entire league. Meanwhile, the Clippers are third in their highly competitive conference, and closer to sixth than first. Evidently, they’re willing to accept a lower seeding if it means preserving him for the stretch run.
The Clippers can’t complain, really. They knew it was the price they had to pay in order to get him. And while it continues to be a gamble, current and projected returns make it a reasonable one. With the reigning Finals Most Valuable Player on their side, they’re closer to the hardware than ever. Never mind the naysayers. The real reckoning comes in the end, and they’re confident they’ll have all the benefits to show when the time comes.
The Clippers can’t complain, really. They knew it was the price they had to pay in order to get him. And while it continues to be a gamble, current and projected returns make it a reasonable one. With the reigning Finals Most Valuable Player on their side, they’re closer to the hardware than ever. Never mind the naysayers. The real reckoning comes in the end, and they’re confident they’ll have all the benefits to show when the time comes.