There is no doubt that when Kawhi Leonard is healthy, he is one of the top superstars in the league. Even though he was spectacular in the first two games against the Suns this year, Leonard has been sidelined since with a knee injury.
Suns forward Kevin Durant has recently spoken out about Kawhi Leonard’s unfortunate injury, expressing disappointment at the fact that he won’t get to compete against his fellow superstar.
“I’m more disappointed that Kawhi is injured again,” Durant said, via Clippers beat reporter Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints. “… I’m more disappointed for him that he’s not out there doing something that he loves. It’s also fun getting a chance to compete against him. Well not fun, but it’s a challenge. … I hope him and [Paul George] get back healthy soon.”
Kevin Durant: “I'm more disappointed that Kawhi is injured again… It's also fun getting a chance to compete against him. Well not fun, it's a challenge.”
Reporter: “Why isn't it fun?l
KD: “I mean, you've seen how he plays. He's tough. It's nerve-wracking.”
(via @TomerAzarly) pic.twitter.com/rFfgupMuNJ
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 22, 2023
There’s no doubt that a healthy Kawhi Leonard gives the Los Angeles Clippers a chance to beat any team in the league on any given night. It is unfortunate that his durability has held him back, but hopefully, he can have a relatively healthy year next season.
In this year’s playoffs, Kawhi Leonard averaged 34.5 PPG, 6.5 RPG, and 6.0 APG for the Los Angeles Clippers in two games. He is clearly a player that elevates his game in the playoffs, and the key is simply being available when the postseason comes around.
Russell Westbrook Believes Kawhi Leonard Is The Best Player In The World
Kawhi Leonard is a dominant player when he is on the court, and it is hard for most players to match up with him at his apex. In fact, Russell Westbrook even claimed that Kawhi Leonard is the best player in the world.
“I just feel sorry for him,” Westbrook said when asked about Leonard’s absence. “Probably was playing his best basketball in a while. The best in the world, honestly.”
Though we have often seen Kawhi Leonard have insane playoff performances, it is hard to crown him as the best player in the world simply due to his availability. Still, he is widely respected as a player who shows up when the lights are brightest, which is a very valuable quality for any superstar-level player.
The Los Angeles Clippers will have some tough decisions to make this offseason, but keeping Kawhi Leonard is in their best interest. He is their realistic pathway to a championship, and they have to figure out how to get him to the postseason and keep him healthy once there.
Source: fadeawayworld.net
