Why Kawhi Leonard Is the Worst Thing to Ever Happen to the Clippers

The Kawhi Leonard investigation is finally over. The Clippers are forced to forfeit five first-round draft picks from 2029-2023, including the Pacers’ 2029 pick received from the Ivica Zubac trade. This makes my argument official: Kawhi Leonard is the worst thing to ever happen to the Clippers.

The Clippers were heading in the right direction during the 2019 offseason with a culture of dogs on the team, hardworking vets, and a future young star on the roster in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Kawhi Leonard forced the Clippers to trade for Paul George in order to join the team, amongst other illegal financial demands. The Clippers ultimately traded away Shai, Gallinari, and a record-setting SEVEN first round draft picks.

The 2019-2020 season happens. Clippers made the playoffs as their highest regular season seed in history, the 2nd seed. They were eliminated by the Nuggets in round 2 after a 3-1 lead due to a huge choke job by Kawhi and crew in game 7.

The 2020-2021 season happens. Clippers beat the Mavs in a thrilling game 7 in round 1. In round 2, the series is about to be tied 2-2 when Kawhi Leonard goes down with an injury, ultimately missing the entire following season as well. The Clippers go on to win the series without him and even push the Phoenix Suns to six games in their first ever Western Conference Finals.

The 2021-2022 season happens. Kawhi Leonard misses the entire season. Clippers miss the playoffs and land the 12th pick in the draft, which they owe to the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Thunder drafted Jalen Williams with the pick.

The 2022-2023 season happens. The Clippers make the playoffs with impressive play from the trio of Westbrook-George-Leonard. Paul George gets injured and cannot play in round 1. The Clippers get bounced in round 1. This is the first year the Clippers are eliminated and Kawhi Leonard is not a reason at all.

The 2023-2024 season happens. Kawhi Leonard gets injured close to the end of the season. He ends up missing the playoffs. The Clippers get eliminated in round 1.

The 2024-2025 season happens. Kawhi Leonard missed half the season but the heroic efforts of James Harden, Ivica Zubac, and Norman Powell allowed the Clippers to make the playoffs and even push the Nuggets to game 7 with Kawhi Leonard looking like his healthy self. Kawhi ultimately chokes in game 7 and the Clippers get blown out.

The 2025-2026 season happens. The Clippers are eliminated by the Warriors in the play-in after Kawhi Leonard gets outplayed by Gui Santos.

The 2026 offseason happens. After forcing us to trade away a future MVP as well as SEVEN first-round draft picks, the Clippers are forced to forfeit FIVE MORE first-round draft picks thanks to the politics revolving around Kawhi Leonard and his particular demands.