The Los Angeles Clippers enter next season mired in controversy surrounding the cornerstone of their franchise.
Kawhi Leonard is in the spotlight after investigative journalist Pablo Torre exposed the organization’s alleged salary cap violations.
Torre alleged that the Clippers and owner Steve Ballmer used a company called Aspiration to pay Leonard $28 million above the salary cap for a “no-show job.”
The NBA is still investigating the matter, and the franchise and Leonard could face various penalties.
Despite the controversy, Leonard played in the Clippers’ preseason game against the Denver Nuggets, which they lost 120-101.
He played 22 minutes and scored 22 points, an unusual preseason appearance.
NBA analyst and former player Kendrick Perkins believes Leonard’s preseason involvement stems directly from the summer controversy and could benefit the Clippers despite the negative attention.
“Kawhi Leonard was playing in a preseason game,” Perkins said. “When was the last time you saw Kawhi play in a preseason game? It was the month of the Never Before. I’m telling you, it’s the month of the Never Before. But here’s the question, right?”
“There’s so much noise going on outside the line about Kawhi Leonard. The only way to quiet that noise is to go out there and perform at a high level on the floor.”
“I believe we’re going to see the best version of Kawhi Leonard. What’s happening off the line has been a blessing in disguise, because now Kawhi can find his sanctuary inside the line, and that will be a positive for the Clippers,” he added.
Perkins’ observation has historical weight. Before the game against the Nuggets, Leonard’s last preseason appearance was in 2023, also against the Clippers and Denver.
During the 2023-24 season, Leonard played in 68 games, the most he has played with the Clippers since joining in 2019.
He was also named an All-Star and All-NBA that season, and was an elite talent when healthy.
This pattern suggests that Leonard’s preseason participation may predict availability and performance during the regular season.
The Clippers may hope this correlation continues and the injury-prone star finds success again while his off-court investigation progresses.