As the NBA season kicks off, the Los Angeles Clippers find themselves grappling with a familiar challenge: star forward Kawhi Leonard is once again sidelined due to a knee injury, and it’s unclear when he’ll return.
Leonard’s absence has been a persistent issue for the Clippers over the years, and this season isn’t starting off any better. With the loss of Paul George to free agency this summer, the pressure on Leonard to perform has only intensified.
Injury woes have plagued Leonard throughout his career. While he’s undeniably one of the league’s elite players when healthy, his frequent stint on the sidelines has created significant hurdles for the Clippers.
Media members have taken notice, with ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith notably criticizing Leonard for his inability to stay on the court. He went as far as to label him the “worst superstar ever,” stating, “You can’t have someone who misses work half the time and does nothing to promote your product.”
While Smith’s remarks may seem harsh since injuries are beyond Leonard’s control, they highlight the impact his frequent absences have had on the Clippers. Since joining the team in 2019, he has faced multiple setbacks, notably tearing his ACL during the 2021 playoffs, which cost him the entire following season.
Last year, he appeared in 52 games but suffered a meniscus tear during the playoffs against the Phoenix Suns. Although he played in 68 games last season, he was still missing for four of the six playoff outings. His averages of 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.6 steals per game were impressive, but the lack of availability during critical moments raised concerns.
The Clippers have built their roster around Leonard, which has often hindered their progress given his injury history. If he can’t return to the court, the team will need to adapt, and some tough decisions may be on the horizon.