Julius Erving, known to basketball fans as “Dr. J,” recently expressed that Kawhi Leonard was his favorite player to watch before the advent of load management altered his view. Speaking on the ‘Mark Jackson Show‘, the Philadelphia 76ers legend opened up about how Leonard’s approach to the game, particularly his reduced playing time due to load management, has impacted his admiration.
“Load management has messed me up because Kawhi was my guy. You know, San Antonio and Toronto, I’m in Kawhi’s corner. Then this load management stuff happened.”
“He playing like every fourth game I’m like the hell happened to my guy. What happened to 82 games man? He was a little different anyway because I spent some time with him at that NBA 75th anniversary. He’s just kind of quiet.” (45:20)
Erving’s comments highlight a sentiment shared by many longtime NBA enthusiasts who reminisce about an era when star players consistently took to the court for the full 82-game season.
Kawhi Leonard’s journey in the NBA has been a blend of outstanding performances and persistent injuries. During his early years with the San Antonio Spurs, Leonard was heralded as one of the league’s premier two-way players. His defensive prowess and offensive efficiency earned him Finals MVP honors in 2014. In the 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons, Leonard missed only 18 games combined, signaling his emergence as a bona fide superstar.
But, the turning point came during the 2017 Western Conference Finals when a controversial play involving ZaZa Pachulia led to Leonard suffering a significant ankle injury. Since then, his career has been marred by various ailments. Over the next six seasons, Leonard never played more than 60 regular-season games in a single year.
His tenure with the Toronto Raptors in the 2018-19 season was a testament to his impact when healthy, leading the franchise to its first NBA championship. Yet, even that season, he participated in only 60 games due to load management strategies aimed at preserving his health for the playoffs.
Erving lamented this shift in Leonard’s availability. The frustration stems from a broader debate within the NBA community about the practice of resting players during the regular season to prevent injuries—a concept that was virtually nonexistent during Erving’s playing days.
Adding to his perspective, Erving mentioned his personal interactions with Leonard. Leonard’s reserved demeanor off the court contrasts with his intense competitiveness on it, making him a unique figure in the league.
The NBA has recognized the growing concern over load management and its impact on the game’s popularity. In response, the league introduced the Player Participation Policy to address the issue of star players sitting out nationally televised and high-profile games without legitimate reasons. Leonard, however, felt targeted by the new rule.
Interestingly, Leonard played 68 games in the most recent season, his highest since the 2016-17 campaign. This uptick suggested a possible return to form and a step towards alleviating concerns like those voiced by Erving. Yet, just days ago, the Los Angeles Clippers announced that Leonard would be limited in training camp due to a knee problem, casting doubt on his availability for the upcoming season’s opening night.
For Erving and fans alike, the pattern feels all too familiar. The anticipation of Leonard’s return is often met with the disappointment of another setback. Erving’s reflections encapsulate a longing for a time when star players were mainstays on the court, embodying both reliability and excellence.
Kawhi Leonard’s career averages of 19.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game over 11 seasons underscore his talent and contribution to the sport. His accolades include two NBA championships, two Finals MVP awards, and six All-Star selections. There’s no questioning his impact when he plays.
However, the conversation initiated by Erving raises essential questions about the balance between player health and the integrity of the game. As the league continues to evolve, so too does the management of its athletes. Fans and former players like Erving hope for a future where stars like Leonard can showcase their abilities consistently, reigniting the passion that made them favorites in the first place.
In the end, Julius Erving’s sentiments are rooted in admiration and perhaps a bit of nostalgia. While the league grapples with these changes, one thing remains clear: the desire to see great players like Kawhi Leonard on the court, game in and game out, continues to resonate with fans and legends alike.
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