Why Does Everyone Hate Kawhi Leonard? 

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He takes half of the regular season off to be healthy for the playoffs just to be injured in the playoffs

I don't hate him. Honestly, he gives me the vibe of someone who is depressed a lot, and given his past and tendency to isolate... it's concerning. I hope he is alright emotionally, as well as physically.

“Teams don’t really practice, you know we’re not getting up and down", said Paul George. "They think by giving us time off it’s helped managing our bodies but it’s really making us weaker as players."

That description of kawhi saying "bucket, bucket" is magical 😹

"bucket, bucket, layup. Nope, nope, nope" Gotta be the funniest thing I've seen in a while 🤣🤣

I tore my MCL and ACL playing college basketball..It’s a long road to recovery sometimes you never fully recover..There’s still pain that comes along when it’s cold..I would never bash someone especially not knowing the full extent of that persons injury I’m a clippers fan since birth and I’m Thankful for Kawhi Trying to get out there

Can't hate on the man, he's a legend. Unfortunate about the injury time, it sucks to see as a fan.

I’m a raptors fan I love Kawhi lol. Man came to town and got us the chip. Can’t complain about that 😂.

Kawhi will always be my guy... last NBA superstar who doesn't give AF about the media or what people think. Sure, it's disappointing to see him go down again like this. But when you really look at the situation you have two options: You could either say that he's the worst superstar of all time or you can be amazed at how much he accomplished with Brandon Roy's knees and a totally dysfunctional life story (much more than Stephen A's crushes Carmelo Anthony, CP3, Dame, etc). LOVE THE KLAW

I literally have not heard anyone say they hated Kawhi. 😂😂😂 You should ask, why does everyone hate load management?

The greatest loadmanagement player of all time

If Kawhi stayed in Toronto he would’ve had another finals run and possibly still have some juice left in his knees.

I love kawhi one of my favorite players

Sadly Kawhi's body is broken beyond repair at this point. He's also amazing when he's healthy. Maybe pay him by his availability.

He used to be my favorite modern NBA player. I loved how he played for the Spurs and that he was able to bring a Championship to Toronto. But ever since he’s come to the Clippers he just can’t be relied upon to stay healthy… “The greatest ability is availability.”

These facts about his family, I just got to know it, god damn... jaw-dropper. It explains his behavior a lot actually

Dude looks like the best player in the world when healthy, now I’m just done I can’t take the injuries and the short notice bs. Feel bad for Ty Lue.

I can never hate Kawhi. I want him to succeed. Dude just seems like an very introverted person with an uncomfortable history. I wanne hear him go "nope, nope" while guarding lebron again next year 🙏

I remember everyone blaming the spurs for how that ended

I'm frustrated at him but I couldn't hate him. None of us will ever truly know what the players are going through in their personal lives, not even their teammates, coaches or management. All we could do is wish the best for the players and hope that they're going to *somehow* (even tho it may seem impossible) be able to comeback healthy the next season. This doesn't only apply to kawhi, but other players like zion, AD, derrick rose etc. I'm sure going through an injury as an athlete is not something easy.

“Bucket. Bucket. Nope. Nope. Layup. Bucket.” LMFAO 😂😂😂😂

I've only started being more than a casual NBA fan last season. Kawahi has been an enigma to me and this explains a lot. I was wondering why it seemed media was being harsh on him. Great vid. Thanks!

I wanted to hate him so bad but I just couldnt. Dude is just humble and silent unlike other stars in the league that just ran their mouths off

Remember how San Antonio got hate for complaining that Khawi wouldn’t talk to them about his injury or return? Two teams later and nothin changed😂😂

Lue talked the other day about how bad he feels for Kawhi given how hard the guy works on staying in shape and eating right, etc. Doesn't sound like he's upset with Leonard or that he thinks Kawhi is being a diva.

It's sad how his career is turning out. Easily could've been MJ/Kobe level if he was able to remain somewhat healthy. I dont blame him for load management, dude's knees are shot with that tendonitis injury and won't get any better as he ages.

Kawhi Leonard fan here(God I’m still a fan). I’m pissed off, what’s ever the point of missing all the games and for 4 straight years it’s gotten us nothing. I can’t be too upset because In the end his body is failing him but man Kawhi is not THAT guy anymore. And bro is going to want to get paid next year but according to history my dude don’t even deserve it soooo… if I’m Steve Balmer I’m trading my mans for draft picks bro 😢

He's been with this team for four years and half of the season he load manages and still somehow gets injury in the playoffs. This has been happening since his Spurs days. Idk how much longer the Clippers can experiment with Kawhi and PG. They both haven't been able to stay healthy all season and it's becoming a problem now. They wasted all of their first round picks for PG and haven't won a championship or go to the NBA Finals.

I could see Russ returning to the Clippers for $6 millions, especially after dealing with a toxic fanbase like the lakers'. Dude just want peace.

Leonard averaged 34.5 ppg in 2 playoff games this year and 30.4 in 11 playoff games in 2021. If he played in 2021, Clippers make the Finals. But health is part of the game, especially in the playoffs, and Kawhi has let the Clippers down.

I remember people hating on the Spurs during the Kawhi saga. Spurs gave the correct diagnosis, lets go of Parker since he claimed that he hurts his feelings after calling him out since he has the same injury as him, and he still had the audacity to walk out on the Spurs without even trying to sort out the whole drama. Now people are starting to finally realize that his quiet persona isn't something to patronize. Duncan was a quiet person but he speaks up when it's needed and becomes a leader of a dynasty that won 5 titles. That's how a quiet superstar is supposed to be.

Gold. Thank you for the consistent great content. Always know what to expect with AM Hoops. Love ya brother

I love Kawhi. He's a fun guy....

You cant hate him. He is utterly and absolutely the most humble athlete in sports history. Hope he is doing okay.

Guys, I think we're failing to consider something... Yes it sucks that the whole plan was for him to load manage then run the playoffs, only to get hurt in the playoffs But consider this.. They rested him all season, and then realized they won't make the playoffs, so they put sudden and immense pressure and minutes on him towards the end of the season just to make the play-in. 0-60 is damaging, and they did that and he's hurt now

I always felt dude doesnt love the game its just something he happens to be great at

People apparently don’t know what DEGENERATIVE means. Kawhi has a degenerative knee issue, meaning his knew WILL NEVER get better. Its in a constant state of getting worse, there’s no getting healthy, there’s only a recovery period and his knee is still shit. Kind of like how our hearing only ever gets worse. Now imagine you develop tinnitus at your job, but you love what you do so you just deal with it. Imagine a part of your job involves the possibility of being injured, and sometimes you end up with damaged ear drums or cauliflower ears over the years. You’re job has you around loud noises at all times which only accelerates the decline of your hearing. You’re job has a union and you make great money, so you are able to take days off for your condition, and occasional paid sabbaticals instead of working your typical schedule. At this point its clear that if you ever go back to your original schedule, you will be deaf pretty soon. Your options are to either quit the job you love and have dedicated your life to being great at, or continuing to take time off, making some random people you’ll never know upset they don’t see you at concerts or whatever as much as they want to.

He's not being claimed, no one actually hates on him. That's just who he is, legitimately no fanbase can claim him because he is so detached.

Why does everyone hate Kawhi? Cause he’s a pampered little baby. 😂 No way he is too injured to play. He is this modern generation player that takes his money and sits out. If Kawhi had a real job he would be fired from every one of them 😂 he needs to retire for the sake of the NBA

Taking the over on Bam is nuts💀

Make a russel westbrook apology video please

I feel like this also has to do with the trend of nba fanbases and media largely dehumanizing the player by looking at their money and influence and thinking that its impossible for them to be depressed like normal people because its easier to not look at them as normal people. Every player goes through this to different degrees but they go especially hard on kawhi, whether that be because they dont like his introverted nature or because they don't understand there's not much he can do about injuries, especially if he's predisposed to getting them. Overall, I feel we as fans should be more understanding of these players and their issues and the media, like Stephen A specifically, should be penalized for talking down to these guys as much as he does for profit.

My favourite starting line up , Ben Simmon , Irving , Zion , AD and Kawhi 😂

Now I think about it does Kawhi really have any leadership skills as the team's superstar?

He’s like the avatar, when they needed him the most, he vanished…

what's up with the water stain on your shirt dawg LOL

Wow he went through a lot. If those tragedies happened to me, I am not sure how I would turn out. I would definitely be different person then I am today.

As an autistic individual, I would not be surprised if Kawhi is autistic himself. Not trying to diagnose anyone, though. Regardless if he is or is not, I believe the problems people have with Kawhi are unjustified and ableist. He works hard when he is on the court, and if he is not, it's because he does not feel 100%. Its not like he comes in out of shape or tries to feign injury to not work. He should not have to put his body on the line and risk his livelihood for a game, especially if he doesn't feel right. As for being a leader, he may not be vocal or act like the traditional leader archetype, but so what? He knows his limitations and I applaud him for being comfortable with himself to not surmise to the publics expectations or criticism of him. Overall, he is one of my favorite players and I definitely see him as a role model. Apologies for my blabber and if everything didn't make complete sense. No hateful comments please.

I don’t like the narrative they try to put kawhi in. He surely the person who mentally suffers the most under his injuries. But when we look what he accomplished although he has a never ending knee injury it’s really impressive

This dude said Kawhi is not on KD's level but Kyrie when Kawhi has played more games and postseason than KD in the last 4 years.

He was already a quiet person. Then he gets all this mental/emotional trauma. Nobody understands what that can do to your mind. You shut down. You're never the same.. I feel for the guy in this regard. Despite how frustrated I am with his injuries and load management. I can understand his personality and what trauma can do to you.. It really turns you inside more than ever.. What left of any "happy go lucky" personality you once had.. It seems nonexistent to most once the trauma happens to an already quiet/introvert personality.

Time now Clippers trade Kawhi Leonard this coming offseason

I would never hate the real goat

Derrick White your next video A.M. Hoops 🙏🙏🙏

Such a shame cuz when he's on he's so good and fun to watch

Nobody hates Kawhi Leonard.

he My favorite player of all time and I’m not ashamed😂

Leaving the Raptors was his biggest career mistake.

Is it possible Kawhi’s lack of effective communication skills a sign that he may be on the spectrum? It’s a shame Kawhi doesn’t have people around him to help him better communicate these health issues he has.

-Anyone had problems with Kawhi's clear lack of work ethics were traded -Kawhi gets more special treatment than any player in history because he won a chip in Toronto -The face of load management What a toxic, cancerous player for an organization. Raptors really dodged a bullet when Kawhi didn't resign.

I mean if you take half a season off you can go 130% in the playoffs. So is he really mvp level or just well rested? Lmao

You can’t blame this player for getting used to having it like he likes it, in addition he’s a hardworking unselfish player that unlike players like Kyrie who are absent a 1/3 of the time for such far fetched nonsense no one will ever sign him to a big contract. I wouldn’t be surprised if Leonard and PG put it together next year but I also wouldn’t be surprised if Leonard was never the same again.

I don't hate him. He's my favorite player and always will be. He's hurt. People can't accept it and accuse him of cheating because they want him to fulfill their dreams or their betting money is involved or for whatever reason (they heard it from SAS or some other media clown) but that's his life, his career and his health. He's already accomplished a lot. Don't hate on him I would suggest but nobody gives a damn because people won't ever change.

i love him ❤

Someone made a meme with Ginobili as obi wan and Kawhi as Anakin that explained how Spurs fan felt. “You were the chosen one! It was said that you would destroy the large market teams, not join them. You were to bring balance to the Spurs not leave it in darkness!” He also missed free throws to lock in the 2013 championship.

Kawhi is annoying af but that heat lebron free throw moment is cold af 😂 I love that

He watches in street clothes 70% of the regular season. Comes in for the final push and playoffs "healthy." Then, he gets hurt 2 games later. He is only popular at this point because of a few LUCKY bounces to knock out the sixers in the playoffs. Hawks fan, so not biased. Just my opinion

You right on “people would hate on a robot” like because he doesn’t talk much everyone just makes assumptions of what he feels. hating a guy off assumptions of his character is stupid to do, but that’s just the state of nba discussion now

Kawhi is the only current NBA that has been diagnosed with a degenerative knee condition

He's still the best in the world when he plays

The unluckiest team of all Sports is the Minnesota Vikings. Not counting the 4 Super Bowl losses but have you seen how they lose games since that Hail Mary Staubach to Pearson Push off Touchdown? The Quarterback of the team at that time Fran Tarkenton lost his dad after that game. The so called curse is still in play to this day

Hopefully we will see him in Dallas.

Because he deserves it for what he put the Spurs with all his drama he put the Spurs thru!!!! Happy his not doing so good let him take his problems y his stupid uncle and let him take care of his problems he has bnow and see how he does with them!!!!!

Am never disappoints 🔥🔥🔥

I know you are doing a bit, but so much of this is wrong or misinformed. sad. Its easy to make a name for yourself by hitting on someone who won't clap back, this is why the media is so hard on him.

I've been alone on the clippers hype train for a long time. Seeing all these new fans come and go is fine with me. They have been my favorite team since I was a kid. I've been really proud of this team but I have to say, Kawhi must go. That is $40+mil just wasting away and the clippers could find someone that is willing to roll the dice with him. Frankly I'm done with it. PG-13 gets one more chance this coming season. I can't believe I'm saying this, I really appreciate the work Westbrook put in. I'm a huge critic of his game and I have never been a fan of his. But the way he shouldered the load and continued to fight, I have a new found respect for him.

Westbrook is gone. Hes playing out of his mind right now for a reason: A N E W C O N T R A C T. When some foolish team offers him 25MIL a year for 3 years, he'll go right back to being Westbrick

the slander when AD gets injured but this guy gets a pass is astonishing

sometimes i wonder, where do team retire all this player jersey number. kawhi, kyrie, kd, cp3, melo. anthony davis

He is doing the right thing for himself. As long as he doesn’t retire, someone will pay him to sit around, only for playoff time. He won a ring for Raptors by doing just that.

I know he is an advanced AI and require a lot of maintenance but cmon, its playoff!!

Kawhi load managing. What a role model.

“ after a full year of load management” ???? The guy had an ACL injury and came back balling after 1 year.

Come to memphis kawhai, stevo will be your best bud, and youll score 40ppg avg on 60%.

This would have never happened is he joined any other team in the league. The Clipper CURSE is real.

When he gives the clippers championship y'all be like damn he's good "fuck off"

Man when you were talking about clippers curses i was expecting you to go all the way back to when San Diego legend Bill Walton failed to carry the team so they left San Diego. That's tragic.

kawhi hate is unnecessary, hes literally top 30 all time and ONE of the best defenders ever

You should rally make a vid about Dillion brooks and how he is the most hated player in the league.

7:47 awesome defense as he gets away with a total foul on Booker 🤣🤦‍♂️😅🤣🤣

Hate is a strong word. He's a difficult person to work with and he has difficulty expressing himself. I think it's about trust with Kawhi and NBA is a business where everyone fends for themselves. While I don't think media and fan chatter will affect Kawhi much if at all, players and coaches losing faith in him has and will be a problem.

Kawhi don't care about anybody he getting paid and got 2 rings that's the problem

I am so glad he's not doing so Good for betraying San Antonio karma is good here!!!

I just hope zion isnt the next Kawhi Leonard

He was hated for signing the Clippers instead of the Lakers. 🤣🤣😂

As much as i am a clip fan and huge Kawhi fan. Im so tired of this guys "load management BS" i get why but when you dont play YOU GET INJURED from trying to play that level!! SMH I have accepted the fact tey done this year and we know how it will be again next year same old Load Management thing that never worked. NO one won a ring doing Load Management.

I agree. His lack of communication is his biggest turn-off. It appears he doesn't care about the team he is playing for. When he had three teams waiting to see which one, he would sign with, knowing he was going to the clippers, he showed who he is. Why not be honest and tell the other teams he was trying to sign with the Clippers if they meant his demands? He got upset with the Spurs because they asked him to show up and support the team. They were paying him. I don't hate him but I have to respect for him.

I saw that headline of his Sister's Conviction...if I felt that terrible about it and the timing , I wonder how Hard it Hit Kawhi over his own sister...no matter how loosely connected they may have been... Cut him some slack

kawhi seems like he's got Asperger's. it would explain a lot