Kawhi Leonard’s knee problems are back in the spotlight. The Los Angeles Clippers forward is set to be out indefinitely for the 2024-25 season. He has been dealing with this knee injury since March 2024, and there is no clear timeline for his return. Leonard’s health issues have led to new discussions about his future, with some suggesting he might need to consider retiring from basketball.
During a recent episode of ESPN’s NBA Today, Kendrick Perkins strongly stated that Leonard should consider retirement. “Every single season, it’s a problem when it comes down to Kawhi Leonard’s health… I really think Kawhi Leonard should consider retiring,” Perkins said. His comments show the frustrations of many who have seen Leonard struggle with injuries for years.
Leonard’s knee problems are not new. He has been fighting these issues since the 2021-22 season when he had surgery for a torn ACL. Although he played 68 games last season and made the All-NBA Second Team, his injuries came back late in the season, affecting his performance in the playoffs.
Perkins is not the only one criticizing Leonard’s frequent absences. Stephen A. Smith shared similar feelings earlier this year, saying, “He is the absolute worst superstar you could possibly have on your team. He’s barely ever there, and on top of it all, he does nothing to market or promote your franchise.” These frustrations highlight the growing concern that Leonard’s inability to stay healthy is a significant problem for the Clippers.
Challenges Ahead For The Clippers Without Kawhi Leonard
Leonard’s latest injury is a big challenge for the Clippers. With both Leonard and Paul George struggling with injuries in recent seasons, the team’s hopes of winning a championship have often been dashed. Even with the addition of James Harden, the Clippers may struggle without Leonard on the court. Harden, now 35, still has strong playmaking skills, but replacing Leonard’s scoring and defense will be tough.
The Clippers also face another hurdle with the 2025 NBA Draft. When they traded for Paul George in 2019, they gave away their 2025 first-round pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder. If the Clippers have a poor season and miss the playoffs, they could end up giving a valuable lottery pick to the Thunder, which would strengthen Oklahoma City’s already impressive young team.
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When healthy, Leonard is essential to the team, averaging 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.6 assists last season. His leadership helped the Toronto Raptors win the 2019 NBA Championship, cementing his status as a top player. However, his frequent injuries are a concern, with his absence from preseason games and limited summer practices raising questions about his knee.
With no return date in sight, the Clippers must adopt a next-man-up mentality to remain competitive in the tough Western Conference. If Leonard’s knee issues persist, the team may struggle to leverage its talent. While some believe he still has more to offer, others, like Perkins and Smith, suggest retirement could be the best choice. While the Clippers move on without him, Leonard must confront his situation and decide his next steps.
