The internet collectively gasped this weekend after a photo surfaced of Kawhi Leonard sporting a new hairstyle. The Clippers star, who has always been spotted with his iconic long, braided hair, seemed to have shed his signature hairstyle, leaving fans stunned. However, it appears the fans dodged a crisis.
The photo sent shockwaves, depicting Leonard with a different look at a Las Vegas boxing match. Social media erupted with disbelief, with comments like “Is that even Kawhi?!” and “RIP to an era.”
However, Clippers reporter Joey Linn of Sports Illustrated debunked the rumors as he confirmed that Leonard hadn’t chopped his hair off. Instead, he opted for a different style, with his long hair pulled back and secured, possibly in a bun.
Fans breathed a sigh of relief after Linn’s revelation, but the internet soon turned to teasing and trolling. Netizens joked about Leonard’s newfound clean-shaven face, with some comparing the Clippers’ star to a college freshman.
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Kawhi Leonard Doubtful for Paris Olympics
Meanwhile, Leonard is racing against time to regain his fitness before the Paris Olympics, which begin next month. The 32-year-old, suffering from right knee inflammation, has been sidelined since Game 3 of the Clippers’ first-round series against the Dallas Mavericks. In case Kawhi fails to recover on time, the USA team might opt for Boston Celtics’ star Derrick White as his replacement.
The six-time NBA All-Star had a decent season before he sustained an injury. He averaged 23.7 points per game this season and shot 52.5% from the field and 41.7% from beyond the arc. For his career, Leonard is averaging 20 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game.
Also Read: Derrick White Tapped to Fill Kawhi Leonard’s Spot for Team USA in Olympics 2024
