Which NBA players face the most pressure in 2020-21?
2. Kawhi Leonard
It has not been a pleasant few months for Kawhi Leonard, starting with the 3-1 lead his LA Clippers blew to the Denver Nuggets. LA was the championship favorite all season long but couldn’t even reach the franchise’s first-ever conference finals.
The last we saw of Kawhi was in Game 7, where he registered 14 points on 6-of-22 shooting. Not exactly the expected performance from a player who’s asking price was historically high. And just when it seemed like Leonard was free of criticism because there was no basketball to generate any, his stock sunk even further.
The general public could indicate discord within the Clippers locker room. Exactly how much only came out after the fact, with most of the friction stemming from the actions of the Klaw.
Control over the practice schedule with the ability to dictate when he chooses to play on a night to night basis and within the course of a game. Arriving late to team flights after choosing to live in San Diego. Failure to address the media, leaving lesser teammates to speak for the team.
Superstars must lead in one of two ways: With words or through their actions. Leonard has never been one for much talk, and that’s ok. But he can’t have it both ways by actively hurting the team with his actions.
This is the guy who’s supposed to guide LA to the place only he knows of. The one who’s supposed to set the tone for championship success. What kind of tone is being set when showing indifference to the journey that, as the Clippers can attest, influences the pursuit of the destination?
He is still one of the game’s best players. He’ll still be a lock for the Hall of Fame after this season — which is why he’s not No. 1 on this list. But there’s something to be said for the reputation you leave behind independent from the accomplishments compiled.
Kawhi might not care. Having cost the entirety of their future who could be gone as soon as next summer, you can bet the Clippers organization and their fanbase does.