All the eyes were on Kawhi Leonard on the Los Angeles Clippers media day as it marked a new beginning for the franchise. With Paul George and Russell Westbrook gone, Klaw remained their only hope to lead the team. However, instead of working it out, the situation became worse. PJ Tucker also seemed to follow their route and discontinue his terms with the franchise.

The news came to light through Michael Scotto’s X post. According to the NBA Insider, the Clippers issued a statement regarding Tucker. “We’ve had ongoing conversations with PJ throughout the offseason and have both decided that he won’t be with the team for the time being,” Scotto wrote, a gist from the Clippers announcement.

Further appreciating the veteran, it stated, “PJ is a pro who has achieved a lot in his career and there’s more he wants to accomplish. We will continue working with PJ and his representative to find the best situation for him moving forward.” 

The Clippers had acquired him last season from the Sixers but couldn’t utilize him to the best of his abilities. Frustrated for not being able to get minutes on the hardwood for more than two months, PJ publicly asked to be traded before February 8, 2024.

The combo forward told Clutch Point, “I feel like I still got a lot to contribute to a team to be able to win, whether that’s here or somewhere else.” That didn’t end well for him. Instead of being traded, he was handed a $75,000 fine by the league for his public demand. And though there were franchises interested in Tucker, the Clippers didn’t let him go.

Despite the break that both parties agreed to, PJ will receive his usual $11.5 million. Though he is leaving for a short time, this could be a blow for the Clippers who have started the preseason with a loss. But now with the veteran forward’s exile, the Clippers look a tad bit thinner ahead of the season. The new recruits are meant to step up at this moment of crisis but Kawhi Leonard’s words don’t provide much optimism.

Kawhi Leonard provides a scathing report card for Clippers rookies

The 2024 NBA Draft class wasn’t really the brightest one. With a rare glimpse of talent and a big name (you know who), there was not much quality, to begin with as per the scouts. With the preseason in motion, the rookies are integrating themselves into the rosters and, for the Clippers, it’s not different. But Kawhi Leonard’s judgment was swift and merciless for the rookies and the new signings.

During a post-match interview after a loss to the Warriors, Leonard was faced with a question regarding the youngsters of the squad. In his trademark nonchalant way, Kawhi responded, “I mean, just the new guys. Just watching them, the new additions we have from, you know, Chris and to Derek Jones Junior, to some of the young guys that we brought in, with Kai Jones last year and just seeing, you know, how they could develop.” He then shockingly went on to say, “So just watching them from day 1 to day 2 to day 3, just seeing their progression. But, no. Nobody stood out to me so far.”

Thanks for your honesty, Kawhi. The Warriors found a preseason hero with Lindy Waters III in their 91-90 win over the Clips. That wasn’t the case for the LA franchise. With four more games to sharpen their skills, Kawhi Leonard and Co. can only hope for someone to step up now that they’ve lost a veteran, even if momentarily.