The report lists Kawhi Leonard as No. 9 in the game's most outstanding small forwards

Los Angeles Clippers superstar Kawhi Leonard is one of the greatest players ever.

The past few seasons might have been as frustrating as it seems for the Clippers regarding his health and availability, but this doesn't diminish the idea that Kawhi already cemented his case as an all-time great. He was in the discussion amongst the best players in the world during his two-way peak, and his accolades of winning two NBA championships, two Finals MVPs, multiple All-Star selections, and other individual accolades support his indisputable claim. He fully lived up to his reputation as a silent assassin who can deliver from the big-time moments and when the lights are bright.

Kawhi at No. 9 amongst the best SF

From this perspective, Klaw cemented his position as one of the best small forwards ever. As such, HoopsHype ranked him at No. 9 in its top players in the mentioned position, only behind the likes of LeBron James, Larry Bird, Kevin Durant, Julius Erving, Elgin Baylor, Scottie Pippen, and John Havlicek.

"Kawhi Leonard once had the distinction of having the highest winning percentage in NBA regular-season history, but that is no longer the case. Leonard was a secondary character in his first title run (until the 2014 Finals, at least) but led the Raptors to the mountaintop on his back. Always steady, even in the highest pressure situations, and the King of Load Management, ranking Kawhi is tricky considering how much time he misses due to injury," HoopsHype wrote.

One of the greatest

If only health weren't an issue, Kawhi would have been ranked higher on everyone's list of the most outstanding small forwards to play. The fact that he established his name as a basketball legend before injuries disrupted his prime only presents a significant "What-If?" regarding his remarkable career.

It is what it is for Kawhi. He will still be generally celebrated for what he brought and achieved in playing the game. We can only hope he still has more in him to lead the Clippers to the NBA's mountaintop, which will put the perfect cherry on top of his Hall of Fame resumé.

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