During a recent episode of the Bill Simmons podcast, Zach Lowe and Bill Simmons discussed the selections for the All-NBA teams, focusing on Kawhi Leonard’s inclusion on the second team despite the Los Angeles Clippers’ difficult start to the season. Leonard’s persistent excellence in performance, even amid team challenges, was central to Lowe’s defense of his All-NBA recognition.
The early part of the Clippers’ season saw a severe slump, with a record of 6-21, casting doubt on Leonard’s chances to earn significant honors. Nevertheless, Leonard’s individual statistics—averaging 27.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists with an impressive true shooting percentage of 61.9—demonstrate his outstanding contribution on the court. Lowe emphasized that Leonard’s strong numbers justify his status among the NBA’s elite players this year.
Zach Lowe’s Reasoning Behind Leonard’s Selection on the Second Team
Supporters of the LA Clippers advocate for Kawhi Leonard’s first-team All-NBA recognition, often viewing him as the best player globally. However, Lowe noted that the top All-NBA honors typically go to players who establish early-season dominance and sustain or improve that level while maintaining availability throughout the year.
Leonard’s placement on the second team reflects the team’s rocky eight-week start and the player’s limited early-game impact. After participating in only 17 games out of the opening 27—which included a 4-13 team record—Leonard experienced several low-scoring outings, including a 10-point game against Utah, an 18-point night shooting 41.2% against Golden State, and a 7-for-21 scoring performance with only one three-pointer on seven attempts versus the Hawks.
Despite these struggles, Leonard’s eventual resurgence sparked a notable turnaround for the Clippers, reigniting their competitiveness. Lowe’s endorsement of Leonard’s All-NBA spot reflects this recovery and the player’s vital role in driving the team forward. Provided Leonard meets the NBA’s 65-game minimum threshold—which he is nearing—and the Clippers continue fighting for a playoff position through the play-in tournament, this recognition appears well-founded.
The consideration given by Lowe highlights how sustained excellence mixed with leadership during adversity earns respect within the league and media circles, even when team results falter initially. This careful balance between individual performance and team impact will shape how Leonard’s season is remembered as the Clippers push toward postseason success.
