Kawhi Leonard articulated an undeniable truth on Thursday evening. This particular observation, however, isn’t typically voiced by prominent NBA players.
After the Clippers’ narrow 115-114 victory against the Denver Nuggets on Thursday, Leonard fielded a question regarding the team’s potential to achieve championship-caliber standing with its refreshed, younger roster post-NBA trade deadline. His reply highlighted the critical role of nurturing emerging talent, but three specific words uttered early in his statement were particularly striking: “It’s over now.”
Inquiry: “You referenced your team’s youthfulness, and naturally, newer players are still discovering their roles, which contributes to why you’re not yet in that elite contender category. What steps do you believe are necessary for your squad to ascend to that level? Does the solution lie internally, in player maturation, or is there an element currently lacking?”
Leonard’s Response: “Simply gradual improvement. I believe the window has closed for this season. We are in the latter half, with roughly a quarter of the season remaining. However, each day presents an opportunity for advancement. A chance to acquire knowledge and enhance performance. Therefore, we must continuously monitor our progress and observe in a fortnight whether we are improving, then assess the situation from that point.”
Unless there was a slip of the tongue by Leonard, his remarks strongly suggest that the Clippers’ prospects for a championship this year are probably nonexistent. This viewpoint, while not inherently radical, becomes particularly notable when expressed by the team’s most prominent player.
After their victory on Thursday, the Clippers’ standing is 27 wins and 28 losses, placing them ninth in the Western Conference and in a play-in tournament position. Securing eighth place could be attainable considering the Golden State Warriors’ ongoing injury issues, but advancing beyond that would necessitate numerous favorable outcomes.
Is it too late for Kawhi Leonard the Clippers to be taken seriously? (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
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James Harden has departed. Ivica Zubac has also left. The transactions involving these two players brought in promising young talents, specifically Darius Garland (who has yet to play for the Clippers) and Bennedict Mathurin, but anticipation will remain modest as the squad undergoes a foundational restructuring.
Commendably, the Los Angeles team has significantly improved since appearing adrift at the start of the season with a 6-21 standing. The Clippers, in fact, boast the highest winning percentage across the NBA since their 27th game on December 18, achieving a 21-7 ledger. During this period, Leonard has showcased some of his finest career performances, averaging 29.8 points, 6.87 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 2.1 steals per contest, alongside his customary strong defensive contributions.
Nevertheless, considerable progress is still required before the Clippers command widespread respect.
