Clippers’ Teammate Reveals How Kawhi Leonard Has Become More Vocal With His Leadership

Published 02/15/2021, 8:30 AM EST

During the 2019 Free Agency, the LA Clippers did whatever they could to bring in Kawhi Leonard. He ended a 24-year wait for a title for the Toronto Raptors in the previous season, and the Clippers felt he was the right man to end their wait for a title.

In his first season in LA, things didn’t go as expected. There were locker room problems, chemistry issues, and to make it worse, they suffered a second-round embarrassment against the Nuggets. They needed Kawhi to step up as a leader, be vocal, and help them with such issues. But it didn’t happen.

However, this season, Leonard is changing his approach as a leader. According to teammate Serge Ibaka, Leonard has become more vocal this season. He said, “Yes I see him more vocal than the first year I played with, in Toronto. This year he’s talking more, he’s involved more. I can see he’s really learned from last year. He’s trying to be a good leader this year by showing example first.”

Article continues below this ad

Can Kawhi Leonard lead the Clippers to a better result this season?

Article continues below this ad

The Clippers have got off to a good start, but the impeccable form of the Jazz has taken away the attention. After 28 games, they have a 20-8 record. Paul George has played only 20 games, and his absence has hurt the team. But when both he and Leonard have taken the court together, the Clippers have lost just thrice in 18 games.

That shows how the Clippers are a force when they have their two stars playing together. Both of them are having excellent individual seasons as well. George is averaging 24 points with 50-47-90 shooting splits, while Leonard is averaging 26 points with 51-38-87 shooting splits.

Leonard has shown that he can lead an unfancied team like the Raptors to a title, and he will be keen to do that with the Clippers too. This change in leadership approach will be very helpful for the Clippers, especially in the playoffs. That is when the leaders of the team are most required to step up, and if Kawhi can help the team elevate their performances, they will be serious contenders.

Article continues below this ad

LA Clippers Head Coach Talks About Relying on Kawhi Leonard After Record Night Against Bulls

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Aaron Mathew is a sports analyst at EssentiallySports. A graduate in Mass Media from Xavier’s College, Aaron has been a part of EssentiallySports since May 2020 where he covers both NBA and NCAA basketball news, and has also covered NBA 2K. In the past, Aaron has worked at the Sports Desk of Mumbai Mirror.

Clippers’ Teammate Reveals How Kawhi Leonard Has Become More Vocal With His Leadership

Can Kawhi Leonard lead the Clippers to a better result this season?

Trending

What Happened to Kenny Smith’s Legs? Unfolding the Sad Truth Behind TNT Host’s Dodgy Knees

Bucks Injury Report: Game 6 Return for Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard Looks Plausible After Miraculous Win

Shaquille O’Neal Rallies Against Stephen A. Smith, Shannon Sharpe, and More, Questioning Authority Over NBA Awards

“I’m So Disappointed in Kobe”: Charles Barkley’s Bold Take on Live TV Forced a Midnight Call With Frustrated Lakers Legend

Bronny in Deep Waters as $800,000 Suffering Forces LeBron James’ Son to End College Career With Major Declining Numbers