Over the years, NBA superstar Kawhi Leonard has faced a lot of criticism for his inconsistent availability on a night-to-night basis. Since the 2016-17 season, Leonard has missed at least 20 games per year due to injury or for various reasons such as load management. Despite his elite talent and contribution when he is on the court, his in-and-out presence has raised questions and concerns about his long-term health and ability to contribute consistently to his team.
Load management strategy not paying off
One of the main reasons behind Leonard’s irregular availability has been load management, a strategy employed to ensure he is healthy and ready to perform during the playoffs. However, this approach has not been as beneficial as expected, as Leonard continues to face injury setbacks despite taking ample rest and missing regular-season games.
Injury struggles continue in the postseason
Kawhi Leonard’s injury woes didn’t end this season as he sustained another injury after just two postseason games. Following Game 2 against the Phoenix Suns, Leonard developed swelling in his knee, which led him to be sidelined for the last two games. Both games resulted in losses for his team, and there’s no clear indication of when Leonard will be able to return to the court.
In conclusion, despite being an incredibly talented and valuable player, Kawhi Leonard’s persistent injury struggles and load management issues have led to doubts about his consistent contribution to his team’s success. It remains to be seen if he can overcome these challenges and maintain a more consistent presence on the court in the future.
