The rumors of Kawhi Leonard being toast are greatly exaggerated. Consider these facts:
- As Kawhi slowly returns to form, the Clippers are 11-3 in games in which Kawhi has played.
- In games Kawhi has missed, the Clippers are 10-12.
- Those percentages are the difference between seasons of 64-18 and 37-45.
- Even in two of the three losses, Kawhi’s +/- was a positive number (only once was he negative and it was a -2 against Embiid/Harden in a game the Clippers lost by 5).
- Many pundits are saying the West will be close in the regular season, but they’d bet on the Clippers in the playoffs if Kawhi remains healthy. If you are wondering why, just look at above and remember what happened the last time Kawhi was back to health in the 2019 playoffs.
- In December, Kawhi is back to over 30 MPG and is shooting nearly 50% from the field. Yes, he’s a little rusty with his 3, but give it some time and he’ll get back near 40%.
- In his career, Kawhi has more steals than turnovers. Not even Michael Jordan and John Stockton pulled that off. Can you name anybody else who’s been an all-star and had more career steals than turnovers (regular season + playoffs combined)? Have fun researching that…
Last but not least, Kawhi does all of the little things that make everyone around him better than they are without him. His BBIQ and intangibles are off the charts (that’s how you end up having more steals than turnovers). When you’re watching the game tomorrow, or if you have time to replay it afterward, pay close attention to Kawhi at times off-ball, and you’ll see what I mean in action…
I’m absolutely terrified of seeing him in the NBA Finals, folks. Do not write-off Kawhi.