"I’m not out there to try to play 82 games": Kawhi Leonard discloses his goal with the Clippers amid load management criticism
Kawhi Leonard did not participate in the LA Clippers' first preseason game on Saturday as Tyronn Lue's team suffered a heartbreaking 91-90 loss against the Golden State Warriors at the Stan Sheriff Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. Leonard, who was in attendance, watched the game unfold from the bench.
The two-time NBA champion is currently recovering from a right knee injury, which has frequently sidelined the 33-year-old. Leonard has yet to take part in the team's five-on-five scrimmages and is expected to miss the remainder of the Clippers' preseason games.
For Leonard, playing in preseason games is not a priority. In fact, the two-time Defensive Player of the Year isn't focused on playing all 82 regular-season games either, despite facing ongoing criticism for load management. His main objective remains clear: winning championships.
"As I get older, guys aren’t doing what I’m doing pretty much," Kawhi told media ahead of the Clippers' preseason game against the Warriors. "You don’t see it around the league. Even when I was young… This is what I work for."
"I strive to get a championship. I’m not out there to try to play 82 games. I’m trying to win. Even tho that’s obligated for me. I try to, but it hasn’t worked out," he added.
Leonard has never played a full 82-game regular season in his career. In fact, the last time the superstar played more than 70 regular season games was during the 2016-17 season with the San Antonio Spurs.
Leonard has won two NBA championships in his career, first with the San Antonio Spurs in 2014 and later with the Toronto Raptors in 2019. However, since joining the LA Clippers with high expectations of bringing a title to the franchise, the 33-year-old has yet to achieve that goal in his five seasons with the team.
Kawhi Leonard on playing power forward
Kawhi Leonard also discussed his playing position for the upcoming season with the LA Clippers. The 33-year-old reflected on the heavy workload he carried last season despite recovering from a torn meniscus. Looking ahead, the two-time champion emphasized that he will decide on his position based on what is best for him physically.
"Who was the power forward last year? It’s gonna be the same thing pretty much," said Kawhi.
"But we gotta control what we can control. I probably ran the top-five most miles per game last year. Or top-10. All coming off a torn meniscus. So we gotta see if that’s beneficial for me or not," he added.
There is no official timeline for Kawhi's return to the court. However, the 33-year-old on the team's media day asserted that he anticipates being ready to lead the team in their regular season opener against the Phoenix Suns on Oct. 23.