Is Kawhi Currently Playing His Best Basketball?

Some people thought Kawhi Leonard would never be the same. He’s had multiple lower-leg injuries in the latter half of his career, and they’ve kept him off the court a ton. When he has been able to play, Kawhi has always been great, but most people around the league had resigned to the fact that Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard was a thing of the past. 

This season, Kawhi has the doubters questioning everything. Not only has Kawhi stayed healthy pretty much this whole season, but he might be playing the best basketball of his career. 

Kawhi is averaging 28.2 points per game, the highest of his career. He’s done this despite playing fewer minutes per game than in his two previous high-scoring seasons. 

Nic Batum, who has played alongside Kawhi for over five seasons, commented on Kawhi’s play this season, saying it may be the best he has ever been.  

"I’ve been with him for six years. I joined the Clippers in 2020 and like I said, I’ve never seen him that good. I played against him when he was with the Spurs, I played against him in Toronto, and I’ve played with him for six years now, but he was already great. We all know the resume of Kawhi Leonard, but I think this year—I don't know why—he just is in total control. He’s in control of everything. It’s weird to say because he’s always been in control, but I don't really know what he changed. His routine has been the same, he’s just a maniac of working. He’s always in the gym, working before and after practice, before and after games. The way he plays right now is just unbelievable."

Having your best season at 34 years old is no easy feat. Especially after all the injuries that Kawhi has dealt with. If Kawhi can keep up this play during the playoffs, the Clippers could be a dangerous team to face.