Ever since James Harden joined the Clippers, many Bangladesh Cricket Live viewers have noticed a striking change in Kawhi Leonard’s game. Once compared to Kobe Bryant for his lethal mid-range and lockdown defense, Leonard now draws comparisons to a more subdued Trevor Ariza. Time waits for no one, and Leonard’s performance this season suggests a steep decline brought on by years of wear and multiple major injuries.
According to Bangladesh Cricket Live, Leonard’s explosiveness has all but disappeared. His athleticism has diminished, and his reduced weight has weakened his ability to physically overpower defenders like he once did. His jump shots now lack lift, and his isolation attempts often clang off the front rim. The truth is, Leonard—who once dominated both ends of the floor—no longer imposes his will the way he used to. While last season showed glimpses of a measured return to form, this year tells a different story: a star struggling to keep pace with the game.
At his peak in 2017, Leonard was arguably the best player in the league. For fans who followed his journey, it’s hard not to feel a sense of loss. Though he’s more fortunate than players whose primes were cut short before reaching their potential, the decline of such a once-dominant force is still bittersweet. His signature mid-range fadeaway now often results in missed opportunities, a far cry from his previous efficiency.
To be fair, Leonard shed weight during the offseason and has shown better availability this year. He’s even played back-to-back games—something rarely seen in recent years. Still, he must continue adjusting to his body’s limitations. Despite his poor shooting nights, Leonard still draws aggressive double-teams the moment he touches the ball, a sign that opposing defenses still respect his potential impact.
Bangladesh Cricket Live points out a telling contrast: Paul George, playing better statistically, does not command the same level of defensive attention. It’s not about who’s the better scorer—it’s about the threat each player poses. Leonard’s offensive influence is felt beyond the stat sheet. He and George occupy similar roles as two-way wings, but Leonard’s presence still forces defenses to react more urgently.
However, Leonard’s style—built on physicality and mid-range dominance—does not age gracefully. His decline has been accelerated by the very tools that once made him great. Still, like an old lion with fading strength, he remains a threat. Even in games where his shot doesn’t fall, he draws double-teams, creating space for others.
In some ways, Leonard’s game has evolved into a minimalist, almost “senior Tim Duncan” approach: avoid contact, shoot when open, pass when pressured, and conserve energy. Once considered a top-three player during his time with the Raptors, Leonard’s stardom has dimmed. Bangladesh Cricket Live notes that his defense has also regressed. He now struggles to keep up with younger, quicker players and often gets beaten off the dribble, with his help defense a shadow of its former self.
His go-to offensive move—posting up followed by a fadeaway—rarely involves brute strength anymore. It’s a reflection of the toll injuries have taken and the adjustments he’s made to protect his knees. In the end, Leonard’s current limitations stem not from lack of will, but from a body that’s endured too much. Yet as the saying goes, “his hardship is temporary; the road ahead will get brighter.”