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Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard has never been the most expressive player in the NBA.
The “fun guy” usually gives brief answers during media sessions, and oftentimes comes across with a “you either get it or you don't” kind of attitude.
However, Leonard was very open in admitting he does not know the ceiling for his Clippers (via Royce Young of ESPN):
“I don't know,” Leonard said when asked how close the team is to reaching its potential. “Because I don't know what our potential is. You never know how good a team can be. But we're going to strive to be the best team we can. We're not complacent. We want to keep getting better and hopefully reach the goal.”
This is less skepticism than it is an acknowledgement of just how strange this season has been for the Clippers.
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For starters, they have rarely been healthy despite their brilliant 42-19 record. Paul George still seems to be working his way back from a pair of offseason shoulder surgeries, while Kawhi Leonard has missed a number of games in adherence to the “load management” school of thought. Meanwhile, point guard Patrick Beverley has also missed a number of games.
In essence, the Clippers have rarely had the opportunity to play together as a complete whole. They have given fans fragments of just how good they can be, while also openly expressing frustration and seeming downright vulnerable at times.
For his part, Leonard continues to be great. He is having the finest season of his career, averaging career highs in points (27.0), rebounds (7.5) and assists (5.1) while also playing his usual stifling perimeter defense.
However, Leonard can only go so far as his teammates help take him, especially in a loaded Western Conference. Indeed, the rest of the league might not know what the Clippers are truly capable until the playoffs.
