57 – 52 – 52 – 68 – the number of games Kawhi Leonard has played since he arrived in Los Angeles in 2019. And this is not counting the 2021-22 season-long absence as he was recovering from a partial ACL tear on his right knee. Of course, injuries have been the biggest factor in the veteran forward’s absence. However, after five years of waiting for the alluring duo of Paul George and Kawhi Leonard to bring a title to the Clippers, the result has been … underwhelming.

But as seen above, fans and the franchise saw a light at the end of the tunnel last season as the 2x champ stepped up big time, be it the number of games or his shooting – 52.5% from the field and 41.7% from downtown. Whatever light shone dimmed since the Olympics.

And now, the latest news about Leonard has pretty much blown any hope of the 33-year-old taking up from where he left off. Senior ESPN NBA Insider, Shams Charania, dropped the ‘Klaw’ bomb, and suffice it to say, it truly is saddening. “Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard is expected to be sidelined for indefinite period of time to start the NBA season as he rehabilitates the inflammation in his right knee, league sources tell me and @NotoriousOHM.“

The 2024-25 season is special for the Clippers. Steve Ballmer just completed their brand new arena, ‘Intuit Dome’. LA can finally move out of the shadow of the Lakers and build on the new identity that their owner has created for them. And what better way to do so than getting the franchise its first-ever championship?

It’s not straightforward, considering they just lost two key pieces in PG and Russell Westbrook. Ballmer & Co. still has James Harden on the team. And naturally, everyone will turn to the All-Star caliber veteran guard to take the lead. But just how much of a success it will be would need patience from our fans.

Given these circumstances, if you go a couple of years back, Charles Barkley’s words seem to ring loudly.

Barkley’s worry about Kawhi Leonard & Co. take on new weight amid the 6x All-Star’s absence

Chuck has been one of the most vocal supporters and critics of the Clippers since the monumental shift to the franchise that happened with the acquisition of Leonard and George. Dubbed as the ‘213 Era,’ Steve Ballmer’s beloved team was supposed to bring the long-elusive title to LA.

However, reality is always bitter. Perhaps a little too bitter for Sir Charles. And the 11x All-Star made sure he conveyed those feelings. In an episode of Inside the NBA, Barkley stated, “If they don’t get Kawhi and Paul George, it’s just a wasted season.”

“They could finish first in the West, but if Kawhi and Paul George are out all season, they’re not going to win a playoff series. This is starting to get troublesome, Ernie. You gotta show up. You gotta play basketball. The Clippers were my preseason pick, but man, I’m really starting to get worried,” he further added.

At the time he made the statement, the Warriors were looking to repeat their championship season. Despite teams like the Nuggets, Grizzlies, and Suns emerging as favorites, the 1993 MVP picked the Clippers as his favorite. And as Barkley predicted, both George and Kawhi ended up injured in the 2023 playoffs. In addition, the Suns handed them a first-round exit (1-4) in the postseason.

That said, LA made its first Conference Finals appearance in the 2020-21 season. Although the 2x Finals MVP was instrumental in the first two rounds, Leonard ended up tearing his ACL in Game 4 of the conference semifinals. The team subsequently won the next two matchups, advancing to the finals. Unfortunately here too, Phoenix emerged as villains, LA losing 2-4 ultimately.

Well, do you think Charles Barkley’s fears might come true this season, too? Or will they finally break free of the ‘Clippers Curse’? Do share your thoughts in the comments.