Since the highly anticipated minutes of his regular season debut, two-way superstar Kawhi Leonard has constructed massive enhancements on both sides of the ball. His minutes restriction has evaporated, and Leonard has turned the corner after weeks of consistent movement.
On the season, Leonard averages 19.7 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.0 assists, shooting 48.4% from the field and 39.0% from a distance. These statistics may be uncommon, but the efficiencies are extremely close to his peak.
Within March, the two-time champion has scored over 20 points in all but one game, with his season-high being 33, which was done twice. He could not have done this in January, as he had countless games below 20 and even some that ended in single figures.
Conversely, fans constantly stress around Leonard's health status each time he sprints up and down the court. Though he has rested well this season, the six-time all-star has come back after conquering multiple gruesome injuries.
With the state of his lower body declining due to age, one key statistic he has recorded should worry Clipper fans.
Kawhi Leonard's free-throw troubles are the first sign of his age causing an impact
Kawhi Leonard's two-way authority has directly catapulted the LA Clippers throughout his last seven games(6-1). He is shooting the ball well with his usual attempts and has been formidable at the rim.
Furthermore, Leonard's evolution this season has been outstanding, but his only warning sign has been at the line. He has hit a mental block in making free throws, and locating ways to draw fouls has exited his weaponry.
In 27 contests, Leonard has only attempted 2.9 free throws per game. This could be a major reference point for fans, as it is his lowest since 2013-14 with the San Antonio Spurs. To intensify the problem, he is shooting 77.2%, a career-low through 13 seasons.
Moreover, his misses at the line have negatively affected LA. In their February 28th battle with the Los Angeles Lakers, the Clippers were defeated by four points. During the same game, Leonard took six free throws and missed four.
That said, the difficulties Leonard has been met with at the strike are likely a blend of age and fear. If an odd twist or turn occurs in an area he has recovered from, the Clippers' ceiling in the playoffs, the course of the future, and his career will be permanently affected.