Doing what the Denver Nuggets or Boston Celtics did, by raising one or multiple franchise superstars in their territory, is extremely tough. Still, by learning through failure, they were each able to win an NBA championship within the last five seasons.
The LA Clippers, on the other hand, are working with the two-time champion, Kawhi Leonard, as if the franchise drafted him. They have over-exerted their loyalty to Leonard, and it has produced playoff exits and season-ending injuries.
Granted, Leonard, when retired, will be regarded as arguably the second greatest Clipper in history, if a championship is not won. Of course, if he is present in the banner ceremony as one who contributed towards a title, fans will unquestionably rank him first.
Yet, right now, Leonard has shown the Clippers the harsh reality that he brings, and it is time for Lawrence Frank to have a meeting with his superstar and take matters into his own hands.
The LA Clippers must get out of business with Kawhi Leonard
The LA Clippers have gone above an beyond with Kawhi Leonard. He has been excused on numerous occasions with injuries, and even through the latest allegations against him, the organization still appears to be committed to him, if and when all is cleared.
Outside of a few All-NBA teams and All-Star selections, the Clippers’ front office should ponder what he has won over the last six seasons. He has not done much in the playoffs, and the season where LA went far for the first time in forever, Paul George did it without Leonard’s presence.
Moreover, an overlooked reason why the Clippers are choosing to keep Leonard is that they may feel scared and lost as to what they will do without a credible two-way superstar on their roster. LA has not been in that position in a while, and with no draft capital, this nightmare is justifiable.
But, Lawrence Frank must remember that the Clippers have an absurd amount of cap space in 2027 and a major market. This is all he needs to replace Leonard with a younger, less injury-prone superstar, like Giannis Antetokounmpo.
That said, the time to move on from Leonard has arrived, and it is only because of the reality he has provided to the fans and front office. It pertains to his health and inability to win after being a part of two championship parades with the San Antonio Spurs and Toronto Raptors.