Since the 1900s, the most prominent method for winning championships has been to build around the game's best superstars. Every elite talent needs a supporting cast that complements their game in diverse ways.
The LA Clippers have attempted to structure their roster through two-way stud Kawhi Leonard. This seemed like a guaranteed title, as he was a dominant powerhouse on both ends of the court.
The Clippers' first significant trade was for OKC's MVP Finalist, Paul George, which pushed Leonard to join LA. There was certainly high-risk involved, but the reward would have been what every team dreams of.
Moreover, before he entered LA's system, the Clippers were a superstar away from contending for the NBA Finals. In 2018-19, former head coach Doc Rivers led a team loaded with rising stars and role players to the playoffs and took the three-headed snake Golden State Warriors to six games.
Ideally, the front office should have provided Leonard, who had just won a ring from an iconic playoff run, with as much assistance as possible. Hence, executive Lawrence Frank heard his requests and did wonders to keep him happy.
Conversely, in Leonard's sixth season employed by the Clippers, a recurring problem could arise if he gets injured again in the postseason.
The Clippers have a problem with a similar cycle of events occurring each year with Kawhi Leonard
The LA Clippers intend to assemble the most competent rotation around Kawhi Leonard by the offseason and trade deadline. However, the front office has given Leonard what he wants, and he has broken down in one way or another since signing.
As a generational talent, Leonard has requested various superstars, playmaking point guards, and versatile defenders. As a result, the Clippers went through trial and error with players like Rajon Rondo and John Wall and even haggled with the Philadelphia 76ers for James Harden.
Furthermore, the most LA could attain was a Western Conference Finals appearance, but the kicker is that the Clippers did it with Leonard tearing his ACL in the second round.
What must be noted is that Leonard is soon to be 34 and has recently suffered extreme knee injuries. This does not leave a positive outlook, as age and health concerns do not blend well.
Nonetheless, Lawrence Frank made moves for players like Derrick Jones Jr., Kris Dunn, and Bogdan Bogdanović within the last 12 months to aid the two-time champion. The problem is he keeps functioning around Leonard, and the six-time all-star keeps going down. If the same cycle happens again, an uncomfortable discussion will be had in the upcoming offseason.