Kawhi Leonard Snubbed by Ex-champion From All-Time Greats List: “He Was Not the Reason They Got to the Finals”

When Kawhi Leonard set foot in the NBA, his exceptionally large hands got the most attention. And he has used them to his advantage very well. Aside from that, his lanky frame and strong defense skills got the next round of attention. His offensive game didn’t turn many heads then.

But looking at the 32-year-old 12 years later and with 2 titles to his name, no one would contest the fact that the “Klaw” is one of the best two-way players in the league. Many have even put him among the All-Time greats. But a former NBA champion seems to disagree.

Does Kawhi Leonard deserve an all-time great spot?

Richard Jefferson joins JJ Reddick in the Old Man and Three podcast to discuss the top 15 all-time players. It had to be a list that did not include LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant. Surprisingly, Jefferson does not believe that Kawhi Leonard should be on the list. “I wouldn’t put him in the all-time great,” he says.

But he provides an alternative to that, which is for the Clippers’ superstar to lead the team to a championship. “That first championship, we know he was not the reason that they got to the finals”, Richard points out. “He wasn’t an All-Star that year. He had an outstanding playoff, and not the clear number one,” he adds.

The San Antonio Spurs clinched the 2014 NBA championship against the 2x defending champion Miami Heat. Game 3 of the series saw Leonard with a then-career-high 29 points and was also named the Finals MVP. But that about sums up his contributions. It was the Spurs Big 3 era – Ginobili, Parker, and Duncan.

Though San Antonio fully hoped for the quiet Leonard to lead the post-Duncan era, it was the Raptors who reaped the benefits of the “Klaw”. So, Jefferson’s claims do have some substance to it. But as he said in the end, “he was one of those dudes.”

Why Kawhi was the right choice for the Clippers

Over the years, Leonard and the Clippers have been subject to much criticism for not clinching a title. As we all know, the primary reason is the affinity injuries have for the Klaw. A healthy Leonard is a whirlwind on the court. Add Paul George and Westbrook to the mix and the Clippers get a lethal triple-edged blade.

Read More: Can Kawhi Leonard and Paul George Stay Healthy? Clippers Duo’s Promising Start After 3 Years Sparks Major Hope

But with the injuries sustained throughout the years, Leonard has had a tough time keeping his promise. Yet, there is no way we can dismiss him completely as a potential candidate. His time with the Raptors showcased his best playoff runs.

The record still holds true. Looking at his career, Leonard has averaged 19.7 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game with 85.8% free throws. Entering this season, Kawhi’s stats are no less impressive – 21.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in 14 games played.

If this continues and he makes it to the playoffs, there is every chance that Leonard might just be able to beat his own record. 

Watch This Story: After Russell Westbrook, Kawhi Leonard Is Ready for a Major Sacrifice for James Harden