Kendrick Perkins says why he expects the Kawhi Leonard controversy to be a ‘blessing in disguise’ for the LA Clippers

Kendrick Perkins believes Kawhi Leonard only plays to silence the controversy

Despite the controversy, Leonard appeared in the Clippers’ preseason game against the Denver Nuggets, a 120-101 loss.

He played 22 minutes while scoring 22 points, marking a rare preseason participation.

NBA analyst and former player Kendrick Perkins believes Leonard’s preseason involvement stems directly from the summer controversy, potentially benefiting the Clippers despite the negative attention.

“Kawhi Leonard was playing in a preseason game. When was the last time we saw Kawhi play in a preseason game? The month of Neveruary. I tell you that. The month of Neveruary. But here’s the thing, right?” Perkins stated.

“There’s so much noise going on about Kawhi Leonard outside the lines. And the only way to quiet that noise is by going out there and performing on the floor at a high level.”

“I believe that we’re going to see the best version of Kawhi Leonard. What’s going on outside the lines was a blessing in disguise because now Kawhi can find his sanctuary inside the lines, which is going to benefit the Clippers,” he added.

2023 preseason participation preceded Kawhi Leonard’s healthiest Clippers season

Perkins’ observation carries historical weight. Before the Nuggets game, Leonard’s last preseason appearance came in 2023 when he also faced Denver with the Clippers.

That 2023-24 season saw Leonard play 68 games, his highest appearance total during his Clippers tenure since arriving in 2019.

He also earned All-Star and All-NBA selections that season, demonstrating elite production when healthy.

The pattern suggests Leonard’s preseason participation may predict availability and performance during the regular season.

The Clippers might hope this correlation continues, allowing their injury-prone star to deliver another successful campaign while the off-court investigation proceeds.