“Kawhi Leonard is Not the Guy”: Former NBA Player Urges LA Clippers to Sign Rajon Rondo to Solve Troubles

The LA Clippers must ask some fundamental questions from themselves ahead of the fresh 2020-21 season. As per reports, they now have a new head coach in Tyronn Lue. But these changes will still not amount to anything if they do not restructure the playing squad.

The Clippers were the favorites to win the championship in 2020. However, they could not even reach the conference finals, let alone the NBA Finals. After the debacle, the critics were quick to suggest the issue is not the talent, but the lack of chemistry and leadership in Steve Ballmer’s unit.

Is Kawhi Leonard a failure at leading the pack?

The Klaw always played with champion teams where he had leaders around him. During his time with the San Antonio Spurs, he had legendary Tim Duncan around him to lead the pack. During his championship run with the Toronto Raptors, the likes of Marc Gasol and Kyle Lowry surrounded him. But when he came to the Clippers, the onus was on him.

In a recent interview, NBA analyst Kendrick Perkins pointed towards the lacking of the Clippers. He exclaimed, “They don’t have a leader!”

“The Clippers do not have a leader. Kawhi Leonard is not the guy that speaks out vocally and talks about. He just goes out there and performs and does his job. And if I’m the Clippers, I would really really consider trying to get at Rajon Rondo. They do need a leader, they need a voice in that locker room that’s going to hold guys accountable.

“It’s only so much you could do as a coaching staff and as a head coach. You need a guy that’s gonna say the right things in the locker room and that’s gonna lose themselves in the team, and lead by example and preach the gospel day in and day out, and make sure guys don’t have a hidden agenda. Right now Clippers do not have a leader and that is part of their problem.”

Will the Clippers consider having Rajon Rondo?

Rajon Rondo will be open to offers during his free agency ahead of the next season. Many teams will be interested in signing this exceptional Point Guard. He has done for the Lakers the job of being the filler between LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Moreso, the 4-time NBA All-star has been an inspiration for the youngsters in the pack.

Rondo has a knack for the analytics side of the game. He also is keen on sharing the crux that juices out of his curiosity for the game. The Clippers will absolutely be benefitted by having a champion who is lesser static and more open to striking uncomfortable conversations in the locker room. 

It’d be a win-win even for Rondo who can stay in LA and prove his mettle by revamping the Clippers. It remains to see whether the Clippers organization has him in the mind or are they looking for a younger leader who can complement the qualities of Kawhi.