Why did he sign such a "stupid" contract then? I think he'll be just fine come playoff time, load managing mastermind.
Because if you can get an 80% kawhi for 60 games and the playoffs, he is still a top 10 player and people will pay max for that even with the injury concerns.
I think he means Kawhi not signing a full 4 year contract. Allegedly planning to opt out after 2 if it's going good to get a bigger one. https://www.businessinsider.com/kawhi-leonard-contract-clippers-2021-free-agency-2019-7
More rest in the playoffs, so getting there healthy is the battle I think. If they got a sweep or two in the playoffs, then that is also plenty of extra rest as well.
and i thought he looked like he was visibly slower and less effective by the time the finals rolled around--it just didn't matter because gs was out kd and klay. will he be able to pull it together and dominate for the 20 games or so they'll need it? maybe. but i don't think that's a guarantee.
Jesus. How the hell's that knee gonna hold up during the physicality and intensity of 16 to 28 playoff games?
i mean, it really didn't last year, despite the narrative. he was creaky in the finals, imo. he should have come here. both sides might be sad about it in the end.
i don't share you all's optimism regarding the christmas game (or the playoffs, really). i think we have to sort of hope that kawhi isn't at full strength because they are slightly better on paper, and he's got the game's most fearsome god mode at the moment. that said, i love this team and think they're a legit contender. it's so much more fun to be a fan this year than it has been, basically since 2010.
I hope they all suffer from genital soreness or rectal bleeding (preferably both, related and inflicted to one another) and forfeit.
