"I'm going to keep going until I can't" - Kawhi says he doesn't pay the critics who say he's 'injury-prone' any mind

Since time immemorial, injuries have played a significant role in shaping the NBA. Whether it's the injury-riddled careers of Brandon Roy and Grant Hill or the wasted chances the Los Angeles Clippers had in recent playoffs due to injuries, it's clear that staying healthy is crucial for players and their teams. And for Kawhi Leonard , a player who has had his fair share of injury setbacks, this couldn't be more true.

Despite the barrage of criticism and doubts about his ability to stay on the court, Leonard remains resolute. In an interview with ESPN, he reaffirmed his commitment to keep going and not let others' opinions deter him.

Wanted to be part of Team USA

There were initial concerns over "The Claw's" availability for Team USA in the Paris Summer Olympics, especially since he failed to compete in the latter part of the Clippers' first-round showdown against the Dallas Mavericks due to knee swelling. However, that concern has since been quelched by Kawhi's presence in the team's training camp held inside UNLV's campus in Las Vegas. And from all accounts, the two-time NBA Finals MVP is in fine form, living up to his reputation as a "fun guy."

"I took the time, and I was able to turn around over the last two weeks," the dynamic two-way star shared . "So, I'm out here now, and, yeah, I'm having a good time."

The six-time All-Star wants to salvage his year by winning his first Olympic gold medal. He was on the right track this past season, playing 68 regular season games—the most he's played since he suited up in 74 contests for the San Antonio Spurs in 2017—averaging 23.7 points. 6.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.6 steals per game.

Unfortunately, disaster struck late in the regular season when the former San Diego State star injured his right knee. He returned in the playoffs but was not moving well, averaging 12.0 points per game in 29 minutes.

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Regrettable narrative

Kawhi's playoff absences are the latest in a string of postseason setbacks for the two-time Defensive Player of the Year. He missed the 2021-2022 season because of an ACL tear and played in only two games in the 2023 playoffs because of a meniscus tear. All these have led to Leonard being labeled as an injury-prone player and someone who couldn't be relied on when the stakes are at their highest.

Kawhi, though, remains steadfast in his desire to keep playing despite all these health issues that have plagued his career.

"Yeah, but this is just my journey, so whatever. I can't lay out the perfect script for me," Kawhi stressed.

"Last year, I tried to play as much as possible, felt great. And at a certain period of time, I couldn't go. I tried the best that I could, but it's just my journey," the soft-spoken superstar continued.

Instead of dwelling on his misfortune with injuries, Leonard focuses on the positive and appreciates the opportunities that come his way.

"Players have worse luck than I have. So just to being able to keep going and keep going is going to motivate the next guy that's watching me. So I'm going to keep going until I can't," the six-time All-NBA team member emphasized.

Injuries are part of the NBA fabric. It just seems that Kawhi has had his fair share of them. Despite the setbacks, Leonard is determined to keep pushing forward and improving as a player. He knows that every experience, whether positive or negative, can serve as a terrific learning opportunity.

Related: Stephen A. Smith calls Kawhi Leonard the worst superstar in sports: "He makes no effort to promote the NBA brand"