Of the countless players in the current era of basketball that have their names in discussions of the top ten greatest players ever, LeBron James is first, with superstars like Stephen Curry in the backseat. Then come players like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kevin Durant, who are close, but still have to raise a few more trophies before the inevitable day of retirement.
However, before James and Curry won their fourth rings, in 2020 for the Los Angeles Lakers and 2022 for the Golden State Warriors, LA Clippers’ superstar Kawhi Leonard was essentially tied with them in countless debates.
The Akron, Ohio, natives were given the edge due to the multiple MVPs in their display, but in terms of pure winning, Leonard was nearly on par with them. This was due to the level of difficulty behind his two championships, as well as the fact that he won a Finals MVP over the most dominant power forward of all time, Tim Duncan.
Furthermore, without Leonard, the San Antonio Spurs would not have been able to beat the Miami Heat. Similarly, the Toronto Raptors would have been part of the continuous pattern of failing in an attempt to take over the Eastern Conference, as James and the Cleveland Cavaliers had a strong presence.
Yet, despite having two rings, with a finals MVP in both, and two Defensive Player of the Year awards, along with other honors, Leonard is not on most lists for the top ten greatest players in NBA history. What will take him there is attaining the dream every player has had since they were in grade school.
Kawhi Leonard needs another championship to be considered a consensus top-ten player in NBA history
To join LeBron James and Stephen Curry in the famous, top-ten debates, Kawhi Leonard would need another championship and finals MVP in his portfolio. Two of each are not enough, as players in previous eras, such as Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal, had careers that overpower Leonard’s.
Moreover, Leonard’s days to win a third title have not passed, although they are dwindling due to his declining health, and the path lies through the LA Clippers and a title-contending roster that is being fine-tuned.
Next season will be the scariest the Clippers have ever been with Leonard, and he surely wants to experience an exciting parade for the third time, while others like Chris Paul and James Harden make it their first.
Thus, Leonard will have to stay healthy to ultimately enter the most prestigious of discussions, which may have real estate in the back of his mind as a place he strives to be.