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[Saba Sports News] In a recent appearance on ‘Undisputed,’ Celtics legend Paul Pierce made a bold statement about NBA star Kawhi Leonard. Following Leonard’s exit from Team USA, Pierce suggested that he should consider retirement for the sake of his health.
“Knowing Kawhi’s history of injuries, I like that move. He probably has that itch, but I think it’s probably best for both parts that he pays that team that’s paying him money,” said Pierce. “Kawhi should really start thinking about retirement. I really do believe that. This is just for the guy’s health. He’s missed 44% of the games… You really got to think about the long run for yourself.”
Pierce, a former All-Star who helped lead the Celtics to a championship in 2008, now works as a broadcaster for FOX Sports, where his bold takes frequently go viral. Regarding Kawhi, Pierce’s stance is relatively mild compared to others.
Stephen A. Smith previously suggested that Leonard should retire, even calling him “the worst superstar in sports.” Leonard, a two-time champion, is renowned for his skills as a two-way player, with efficient mid-range shooting and meticulous defense. Last season, at 32, he averaged 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game on 52.5% shooting for the Clippers.
Despite his talent, Leonard’s availability has been a major concern since his rise to stardom. He has consistently missed crucial games, a problem dating back to his time with the Spurs. After two All-Star seasons, Leonard had a falling out with the Spurs in 2017 over disagreements about his medical treatment, partly blaming them for his lingering issues.
Leonard led the Raptors to a championship but has struggled with availability for the Clippers due to injuries and load management. His sudden withdrawal from Team USA has fueled speculation about his future in the game. As Leonard enters his 13th season, with Paul George gone, the pressure on him to elevate the Clippers is immense. If he retires now, he can preserve his reputation as a champion.