After Kawhi Leonard made the somewhat surprising decision to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers during the offseason, it created a shifting of the NBA, introducing a league that was more wide open than in years past, and made the Clippers favorites for the NBA Championship. However, some NBA front office personnel don’t exactly believe in Leonard’s ability to become a leader.
According to a recent report from Bleacher Report’s Ric Bucher, one Western Conference GM apparently would not call Kawhi a leader thanks to his notorious demeanor and limited playmaking abilities. “Kawhi is great getting his, but he doesn’t elevate anyone,” the GM said. “He doesn’t rally his team.”
Speaking to an Eastern Conference vice president of player personnel, Bucher received a similar report, although the front office member did say Leonard had qualities of a leader. “He does have leadership qualities,” he says, “but it depends on how you define ‘leader.’ He’s obviously not vocal, and he’s not a galvanizer. He does it with his work ethic and by example.”
It’s somewhat surprising to hear from high ranking front office members, but not too shocking. While Leonard is regarded as one of the best two-way players in the NBA, not many have ever praised him for the leadership he provides to a team. After signing a three-year, $103 million deal with the Clippers that would give him a shot at the supermax extension in two years, however, he has the chance to prove the anonymous sources wrong, and show just how good of a leader he can be.
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