Boston Celtics Legend Paul Pierce Urges NBA Superstar To Retire

Boston Celtics icon Paul Pierce thinks it's time for Los Angeles Clippers superstar Kawhi Leonard to really ponder about his next career move.

Leonard has been ruled out indefinitely by the Clippers due to a right knee inflammation. According to a report by Shams Charania and Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN, the Clippers " will be diligent and cautious to ensure his fitness long term" as he rehabs from the injury.

The six-time NBA All-Star did not participate in any training camp activity. He has also missed all of the Clippers' preseason games as a result of the issue.

Leonard has battled with injuries for the most part of his career, and the Clippers are very familiar with this problem. Since joining the team in 2019, the two-time NBA champion has missed 179 out of 435 games throughout that span.

It's worth noting that Leonard also sat out the whole 2021-22 season due to an ACL injury.

While it looked like he had finally gotten over his injury woes after playing 68 games in 2023-24, he's back to being sidelined once again.

With all the injury issues that Leonard has dealt with, and considering the latest development about his health, Pierce expressed his belief that it's time for Leonard to call it a career.

"When I heard the news, I wasn't shocked," Pierce said about Leonard being sidelined indefinitely. "I mean we saw him try to come back this summer for the USA. That got cut short. They sent him home.

"It's almost to the point to, like, man it might be time for Kawhi to wrap it up."

It remains to be seen when Kawhi Leonard will be able to return to action for the Clippers, but considering how careful the 33-year-old forward has been when it comes to his recovery, it won't be surprising if he takes his time.

As for Pierce's retirement suggestion to Leonard, he's not alone in that sentiment. Even former Celtics teammate Kendrick Perkins shared the same opinion .

Of course there isn't any indication that Leonard is considering retirement, although calls for him to do so should only amplify as he continues to battle health problems.

Related: Paul Pierce Leaves No Doubt About His Opinion of LeBron James