In the 2017-2018 season, Kawhi Leonard was limited to just 9 games due to what was termed as tendinopathy of his right quadriceps. In early June of 2019, it was reported that Leonard, then a Toronto Raptor, was dealing with a sore knee that was originally caused by that same quad issue. As we now know, Leonard appeared in 60 games last season - resting 22 - and was named Finals MVP for the 2nd time in his career. He stated that he would not have been able to perform the way he did if not for the Raptors training staff and their load management system.
This season, as a Clipper, Leonard has appeared in 7 of his team's 9 games, missing the October 30th game at Utah - a 14-point loss - and Wednesday's game at Milwaukee, a 6-point loss. He has come under fire for missing that 2nd game, mostly because it was a nationally televised game against the reigning league MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Clippers have come out and made statements - albeit confusing ones - about Leonard's health, saying that he is fine but also pointing out that the resting is necessary to keep him fresh. My question is though, what if he is indeed hurt? What if it is in fact pain management versus just plain, old, healthy, scratch rest?
If it is pain management, then why is it talked about ad-nauseum by the media, why is he being knocked for not playing through the pain, not suiting up every game. After all, back in the day, guys played through pain. After all, he is one of the top players in the league right, and it's his duty to play, right?
Well, in my opinion, I see nothing wrong with it if he is managing a lingering knee problem. The skeptics will say how can he be hurt but still be averaging 29 points a game? Well, if you notice, he has gotten off to slow starts, and turned it on late in games. Last night, for instance, he started 4/14, but finished 5/9, with 18 4th quarter points. But it is early on in games where i tend to believe that he has a legitimate issue. Early in games, he is getting to his spots as he usually does, using his variety of offensive moves, but he is not getting optimum lift on his jump shot, with many shots grazing the rim and falling short. That tells me that there could be a problem. Just because he's turning it on late in games means he's not hurt? Just because he's a dominant 4th quarter player means he's not hurt? I don't see it that way. He was hurt in the conference finals and finals last season but you wouldn't have known it watching him play. He very well could be hurt still, and he is doing, in my opinion if he is hurt, the smart thing by not overdoing it. Most will say he has an obligation to play through the pain. But, if Larry Bird had rested some during his playing days, maybe he would've stretched his career longer and not have had to retire early because of back problems. Maybe if Kevin McHale hadn't played on a broken foot for the last three months of the 1986-1987 season, he would've been able to extend his, too.
To me, the most ridiculous thing about sports culture is that we have to play through pain. Now, I agree that there is a difference between hurt and injured, and hurt means play while injured means sit. But this idea that you need to lay it on the line at all costs, no matter the consequence because you are sacrificing for your team and owe it to the fans and owners that pay you, is one that I do not agree with. If you have an injury, there is no sense in risking your long term health just to keep fans happy. You owe it to yourself to be smart and take care of your body. Leonard has even said that he wants to be healthy in part for his son, so that, when his son grows up, Leonard will be able to play with him. Who can fault him for that?
It is clear to me that Leonard isn't 100% healthy. I guess whether you believe he's actually hurt, or healthy and just resting to rest, determines your viewpoint on the entire load management issue.
We should, though, reserve judgment, for a guy who has a recent injury history, before we jump to conclusions about him just not wanting to play, and the idea of load management being just one big farce. After all, when he is out there on the court, he gives it his all, never skipping a step. He doesn't cheat the game, and is one of its top competitors.
In my opinion, he should be given the benefit of the doubt.
Comments