Kawhi Leonard is tired of hearing his name associated with load management. Although not generally a man of many words, he responded to criticism during the Los Angeles Clippers media day.
The league adopted a new player participation policy last month, so naturally, Leonard was asked about his thoughts on the matter. The policy prevents teams from resting “star players” in certain situations, including during nationally televised games or for an extended period of time during the season.
Leonard hasn’t played more than 60 games in a season since 2016-17, when he was still on the court. San Antonio Spurs. He then missed the Spurs’ final five playoff games in 2018 due to a sprained ankle, and his team was eliminated by the Warriors of the Golden State in the first round.
The following season, Leonard helped the Toronto Raptors won the 2019 NBA championship, but his availability has been inconsistent throughout the season — something he clarified Monday was due to injury.
“I’m not one to sit around because I’m handling the load,” Leonard said. “When I was with the Raptors it was different. I was coming off an injury and you have to find out the details from the doctor. But if the league sees or tries to make fun of what I did with the Raptors , she should stop because I’ve been hurt this whole year.
“But other than that, if I’m able to play, I’ll play basketball.”
Leonard joined the Clippers in 2019, and immediately The NBA fined the team $50,000 for resting him during a nationally televised game and for “statements, including from head coach Doc Rivers, that were inconsistent with Leonard’s health.”
Injuries have definitely affected Leonard’s playing time, however. Leonard suffered an ACL injury during the 2021 playoffs and missed the entire 2021-22 season. His playoff woes continued when he tore the meniscus in his right knee during the Clippers’ first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns in April.
“I’m not trying to hit a certain number of games. I’m trying to play the games I can play,” Leonard said. “…I’m a two-way player. I play hard, so injuries are going to happen. I don’t just walk around. I play both ends of the court. I see the best players on both ends. nights. Either I keep the best player, or the best player keeps me. If an injury happens, that’s what happens.”
Leonard wanted to let those who doubt him know that sitting out doesn’t mean he’s losing interest in the game. Luckily for fans, he is fully cleared to participate in Clippers training camp.
“I train every day in the summer to play, not to sit and watch people play,” Leonard said. “So no league policy helps me play more games.”
