Kendrick Perkins claims Clippers doomed future by giving Kawhi Leonard total control

The Los Angeles Clippers are enduring a shocking 5-16 start to the season, despite boasting a roster loaded with All-Stars like James Harden and Kawhi Leonard. Former NBA champion and analyst Kendrick Perkins argues that a significant portion of the blame lies with Leonard himself.

Perkins highlights Kawhis limited availability, noting that he has appeared in only 277 games during his six years with the team. Alongside this, Leonards massive salary, totaling $428,908,252 in Los Angeles, has placed the franchise in a challenging position.

Kawhis Impact on the Franchise

Leonard is widely recognized as one of the NBAs premier two-way players, combining elite defense, rebounding, and scoring. Yet, Perkins believes the Clippers have compromised too much to meet Kawhis demands. On the Road Trippin' podcast, he declared, Kawhi Leonard is one of the worst free agent signings in NBA history. He has set the Clippers back 10 to 15 years.

Perkins criticized Leonards insistence on bringing in another superstar before joining the Clippers, specifically Paul George. In response, the team traded Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to Oklahoma City, along with five first-round draft picks, to acquire George. Perkins calls this one of the biggest missteps in recent NBA history.

Although Paul George contributed at times, injuries limited his impact, and the teams best result with him was a trip to the 2021 Western Conference Finals. Meanwhile, SGA has blossomed in Oklahoma City, winning the MVP and NBA Finals MVP, averaging over 30 points per game across the past three seasons.

Current Struggles

The Clippers now find themselves in a difficult position, ranking near the bottom in both offensive and defensive metrics. They are also unlikely to retain Bradley Beal, intended to replace sharpshooter Norman Powell. Perkins asserts that Kawhis focus on his own priorities has driven much of this turmoil.

When you consider the Clippers current state, its clear that Kawhi Leonards demands have shaped this outcome, Perkins said. He never fought to retain Paul George or keep Norman Powell. His focus has always been on himself.

With more than 60 games remaining this season, the Clippers have time to adjust, but Perkins suggests major changes will be needed to salvage their campaign.

Analysis: Kawhi Leonard's Role in the Clippers' Struggles

The Los Angeles Clippers' 5-16 start to the season has raised serious concerns about the team’s structure and decision-making. Despite a roster featuring stars like James Harden and Kawhi Leonard, the team’s performance is among the worst in the league. Former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins points to Leonard’s limited availability and massive contract as key factors behind the current turmoil.

Leonard has played only 277 games in six seasons with the Clippers, a factor that has hampered continuity and team chemistry. Perkins also criticizes the franchise’s decisions to accommodate Leonard’s demands, particularly the trade that brought Paul George to Los Angeles at the cost of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and multiple first-round picks. While George contributed sporadically, injuries and inconsistency prevented the team from reaching its full potential.

Currently, the Clippers struggle both offensively and defensively, and retaining targets like Bradley Beal appears unlikely. Perkins argues that Leonard’s focus on personal priorities has shaped the team’s trajectory, creating structural and roster challenges that may require significant adjustments to overcome. With over 60 games remaining, the franchise faces a critical period to realign its strategy and salvage the season.

Sources:

• "The worst free agent signings in NBA history" - Kendrick Perkins says the Clippers ruined their future by giving Kawhi Leonard total control