Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard takes issue with NBA’s new load management policy: ‘If I’m able to play, I’ll play’

Kawhi Leonard is bored with listening to his title being related with load management. While he’s most often no longer a person of many phrases, he addressed the complaint right through the Los Angeles Clippers media day. 

The league handed a new participant participation coverage remaining month, so naturally Leonard was once requested about his ideas on it. The coverage prevents groups from resting “star players” right through sure scenarios, together with nationwide televised video games or for a protracted stretch right through the season.

Leonard has no longer performed in additional than 60 video games in any season since 2016-17, when he was once nonetheless at the San Antonio Spurs. He then ignored the Spurs’ remaining 5 playoff video games in 2018 due to a sprained ankle, and his workforce was once eradicated by way of the Golden State Warriors within the first around.

The following season, Leonard helped the Toronto Raptors win the 2019 NBA championship, however his availability was once inconsistent all the way through the season — which he clarified on Monday was once due to damage.

“I’m not a guy that’s sitting down because I’m doing load management,” Leonard mentioned. “When I was with the Raptors, it was different. I was coming off an injury, and you have to know the details from the doctor. But if the league is seeing or trying to mock what I did with the Raptors, they should stop because I was injured during that whole year. 

“But rather then that, if I’m able to play, I’ll play basketball.”

Leonard joined the Clippers in 2019, and straight away the NBA fined the workforce $50,000 for resting him right through a countrywide televised recreation and for “statements, including by head coach Doc Rivers, that were inconsistent with Leonard’s health.” 

Injuries, then again, have for sure affected Leonard’s taking part in time. Leonard suffered an ACL damage right through the 2021 playoffs, and he went on to omit all the 2021-22 season. His postseason misfortunes persevered when he tore the meniscus in his proper knee right through the Clippers’ first-round playoff collection in opposition to the Phoenix Suns in April. 

“I’m not trying to get to a certain amount of games. I’m trying to play the games I can play,” Leonard mentioned. “… I’m a two-way player. I play hard, so injuries are going to come. I’m not out there just walking around. I play both ends of the floor. I see the best players on both ends every night. Either I’m guarding the best player or the best player is guarding me. If an injury comes, that’s what happens.”

Leonard sought after to let those that doubt him know that sitting out does not imply he is disinterested within the recreation. Fortunately for enthusiasts, he’s absolutely cleared to take part within the Clippers’ coaching camp.

“I work out every day in the summertime to play the game, not to sit and watch people play,” Leonard mentioned. “So no league policy is helping me to play more games.”