The Los Angeles Clippers failed to reach the NBA Finals again this season.
They had some chemistry and consistency issues throughout the campaign, with Kawhi Leonard going in and out of the lineup again due to load management and injuries.
Leonard was excellent in the playoffs before being ruled out with yet another knee injury, leaving his team undermanned and leading to their early elimination.
That’s why NBA legend Paul Pierce believes he should seriously consider retirement, according to NBACentral.
“If I’m Kawhi Leonard, I would really consider retirement.”
– Paul Pierce
(Via @shobasketball ) pic.twitter.com/mUjJhTAslp
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) May 4, 2023
Notably, he isn’t the first person to suggest that.
Recently, ESPN pundit Stephen A. Smith voiced out the same idea, as it’s clear that Leonard is having a tough time getting back to full strength, and there are reports of him even limping around when he walks normally.
It would be a shame, and it’s not his fault.
No one can deny his work ethic or even doubt that he would play if he were healthy, but it’s just the way it is.
Leonard has been a strange sight on the court since arriving in Los Angeles, and there’s no way the Clippers can build a competitive team around him if he’s not available, nor will they be able to find him a replacement with his salary still on their books.
We’ve seen it happen over and over.
Brandon Roy, Grant Hill, Penny Hardaway, even Tracy McGrady.
Sometimes great players aren’t made to be in the league for a long time, and it’s hard to envision Leonard getting healthier as the years go by.
NEXT: Paul George Explains His Frustration On How Season Ended
