Reports are surfacing that NBA star Kawhi Leonard has stopped communicating with his teammates and coaches on the LA Clippers. Leonard’s career has been plagued by injuries in recent years, and his latest setback has caused him to miss crucial playoff games against the Phoenix Suns, including game five.
Sports commentator Colin Cowherd recently spoke out about the situation, stating that the Clippers have reached a tipping point and it’s time to move on from the 32-year-old player. Cowherd pointed out that Leonard’s lack of availability is a major issue, having only played in 27 home games over the last two seasons.
“If I’m Kawhi Leonard, I would really consider retirement.”
– Paul Pierce
(Via @shobasketball ) pic.twitter.com/mUjJhTAslp
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 4, 2023
Moreover, Cowherd claims that Leonard’s communication with coaches and teammates has been nonexistent. This behavior, combined with his injury history, has led to rumors of potential trades. Although Leonard is a talented player, his inability to stay healthy and lack of communication could be detrimental to the team’s success.
It remains to be seen if these rumors will come to fruition, but the Clippers may need to seriously consider their options if Leonard’s behavior and injuries continue to hinder the team’s progress.
NBA Legend Paul Pierce Advises Kawhi Leonard to Consider Retirement Amid Health Concerns
Former NBA star Paul Pierce has recently advised Kawhi Leonard to consider retirement due to concerns surrounding his health. Leonard, who has not played more than 60 games in a single season since 2016-17, was forced out of the playoffs this year after only two games due to an injury.
Pierce shared his thoughts on the matter during an episode of The Ticket & The Truth, a YouTube show that he co-hosts with former teammate Kevin Garnett. He expressed concern that Leonard’s body may no longer be able to hold up against the demands of the game and advised the Clippers player to prioritize his health above all else.
"I applaud the big swing by the Clippers… But don't double down on it."
— @ColinCowherd says why it's time to move off Kawhi Leonard pic.twitter.com/lCZ4phSeI7
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) April 24, 2023
“If I’m Kawhi Leonard, I would really consider retirement,” said Pierce. “This has a lot to do with what his body has been through. If his body is not holding up, he has to think about that. I am more worried about him as a person though.”
Pierce also acknowledged that sometimes injuries are simply beyond a player’s control and that Leonard has been unlucky in this regard. Despite this, he believes that Leonard’s health concerns must be taken seriously, especially given his injury history.
“Kawhi has probably been the most unreliable and unlucky player in the league,” Pierce added. “It is unlucky what he is dealt with injury-wise.”
As the Clippers face a crucial off-season, with Leonard’s status being a top priority, the decision of whether or not to retire remains with the player himself.
