In what has been a recurring theme of Kawhi Leonard 's career for the last seven seasons, the superstar wingman is expected to be sidelined indefinitely as he continues to work his way back from the knee inflammation that kept him from finishing last season on a strong note. The news was revealed by ESPN senior NBA insider Shams Charania.
With the latest chapter of Kawhi's saga carrying the same note as the previous ones, former NBA player and current NBA commentator Kendrick Perkins wondered whether it might be time for Kawhi to consider retirement.
Kawhi must consider his options
Although The Athletic reports that "The Claw" has not suffered any setbacks between training camp and now, he remains without a timetable for a return. This leaves California native and the Clippers in a precarious situation where neither has any certainty heading to the 2024-2025 season. However, that cloud of uncertainty can be alleviated if Leonard decides to step away from the game for good.
"I think it's about that time to have that uncomfortable, tough conversation. This is not a hot take, but when you think about his history and everything that Legs (Tim Legler) just alluded to—six months, and still problems with his knee, right?" Perk shared on "NBA Today."
"Every single season, it's a problem when it comes down to Kawhi and his health. He needs to sit down at the round table, not only with the Clippers organization but with his family as well. I really think Kawhi Leonard should consider retiring," the former NBA center stressed.
Optimism was high within the Clippers organization in 2019 when they acquired the two-time NBA Finals MVP, pairing him with another elite two-way wingman, Paul George. However, that plan failed to bear fruit, as Kawhi missed 179 of the team's 435 games in the last five seasons.
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Ride off into the sunset with his body in one piece
Rather than force the issue and tether the Clippers' fate to his balky knees, Perk said Kawhi must also think long and hard about life after basketball. With his knee issues persisting, he must weigh the pros and cons of continuing to play.
"I'm a huge fan of Kawhi Leonard, but we've seen and witnessed so many guys go through these problems when dealing with swelling in the knee. There are only so many surgeries you can have when it comes to repairing things, especially cartilage in your knee. Sooner or later, it's going to be bone on bone. I don't know if that's the case, I'm just telling you from past experiences with teammates I've had," Kendrick surmised.
Although the advent of medical technology has allowed even Lonzo Ball to return to action after missing 1,006 days due to a knee injury he suffered in January 2022, only Kawhi knows the actual state of his body and whether it's prudent for him to continue playing at the highest level. While it may be tempting for fans and the media to pressure him into returning, there are certainly cons to consider.
Related: "I actually think they knew Kawhi’s knees were fu*ked" - Bill Simmons on why the Clippers didn't sign back PG
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