Unveiling the Fear: Early Days of Kawhi Leonard's Clippers Era
The arrival of Kawhi Leonard to the LA Clippers in 2019, after being named the NBA MVP, was a seismic event for the franchise. However, as detailed in a comprehensive report by ESPN, just weeks after the signing, a palpable sense of fear began to spread within the organization. This stemmed from the high expectations and the intense scrutiny that followed the acquisition of a player of Leonard's caliber, alongside concerns about how the team would mesh with such a significant addition.
The Clippers had made a bold move to pair Leonard with Paul George, aiming to create a championship-contending duo. Yet, this ambition was quickly overshadowed by internal apprehensions about team dynamics and Leonard's integration. Reports indicate that some teammates were unsettled by the special treatment given to Leonard and George, including control over practice schedules and perceived leniency in game participation.
Scandals and Setbacks: Challenges Beyond the Court
Leonard’s tenure with the Clippers has been marred by more than just on-court challenges. A recent scandal, as reported by The Athletic, involves allegations of financial impropriety tied to a now-bankrupt environmental company called Aspiration. According to accusations from former employees, Leonard received a lucrative no-work contract from this company, which had direct ties to Clippers owner Steve Ballmer, potentially as a means to bypass NBA salary cap rules.
The NBA has launched an investigation into these claims, with Commissioner Adam Silver stating that the league will not rush to judgment on whether this business relationship was legitimate or a salary cap evasion tactic. Additionally, the Clippers have faced criticism over the years for their handling of Leonard’s injuries, with posts on X highlighting past instances where the team was less than transparent about his health status, such as during the 2021 playoffs when a knee sprain was later revealed to be a torn ACL requiring surgery.
Shifting Focus: The Future Without Kawhi as the Centerpiece
As the controversies and disappointments pile up, there is a growing sentiment within the Clippers organization that they are done building around Kawhi Leonard. ESPN reports suggest that the franchise is reevaluating its strategy after years of playoff disappointments, with the Leonard-George era yielding only three series wins in five years, including multiple first-round exits and a missed playoff appearance in 2022.
The Clippers’ bold dreams under Steve Ballmer’s ownership since 2014 have been met with a culture of secrecy and league probes that have reshaped the franchise. Despite consistent 50-win seasons, injuries and off-court issues have hindered the ultimate goal of a championship. As the team prepares for Leonard’s seventh season with the franchise, the focus appears to be shifting toward new directions and possibly new faces to lead the charge.