Kawhi Leonard's talent has never really been the argument. His availability has, and that gap is exactly what pushed Channing Frye into a heated debate about where Leonard truly ranks among the all-time greats. Frye didn't hold back when discussing Leonard's place in history.

"I don't think Kawhi Leonard is a top 25 player. I think as a player he is one of the best, as the idea of him," Frye said on the Road Trippin' Show podcast

The difference is important since Leonard has appeared in only 331 out of a possible 554 regular season games for the Clippers since 2019, sitting out whole chunks of time, including an entire 2021-22 season as a result of a torn ACL.

Frye pushed the comparison further by pointing to career longevity. "If somebody plays 17 years and you're a nine-time all-star, they should have way more stuff than Kawhi Leonard," he said on the same podcast.

That is quite a different story when Leonard’s career achievements include two championships, two Finals MVP awards, and two Defensive Player of the Year awards, acquired despite continuous battling with his health condition rather than due to a shortage of talent.

Even at 34 years old, Leonard showed that he had many things left to give. He posted a career-high average of 27.9 points per game in 2025-26 while playing for the Clippers. This made him the first player ever to reach a new scoring high point in his 14th season.

There is more about Leonard in the news right now because of his highly anticipated return to Toronto.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Reacts to Kawhi Leonard's Blockbuster Return to Toronto

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander addressed Leonard's homecoming while playing for Canada against Puerto Rico in FIBA Americas action.

"As long as I can remember, Toronto has loved the Raptors, the country's loved the Raptors. I don't think that will ever change, no matter who plays for them," he said.

Gilgeous-Alexander didn't stop there either. "Adding a guy like that to your roster, no matter where you're from or what team you are, amplifies everything. He's a really good player. Toronto should be a good team next year," he added.

That’s because they’re so connected in terms of their careers. Kawhi Leonard signed with the Clippers in 2019 after the team had traded their first-round draft picks and Gilgeous-Alexander to the Thunder in exchange for Paul George.

This time, Leonard is back in Toronto in a trade that involved Brandon Ingram, Graden Dick and first-round draft picks going to the Clippers, once again becoming the franchise player for the remaining year of his contract.

Tell us what you think about Kawhi Leonard’s return to Toronto in the comments below.

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Written by

Utsav Gupta

Edited by

Utsav Gupta