Interim LA Clippers governor thanks Kawhi Leonard in first statement after salary cap scandal

Photo by Soobum Im/Getty ImagesDespite many fans considering him the root of the problems they are facing, interim LA Clippers governor John Gibson thanked Kawhi Leonard for his service to the team.

>Leonard joined the Clippers in 2019, with the expectation that he would bring the franchise their first NBA championship.

>Six years later, Leonard has left the team to return to the Toronto Raptors, following a massive salary cap scandal that has completely ruined the future of the franchise.

Photo by Wally Skalij/Getty ImagesLA Clippers governor says their ‘best days are ahead’ following Kawhi Leonard tradeIn a lengthy statement on social media, newly appointed interim governor John Gibson sent a message to everyone associated with the LA Clippers organisation.

>He gave a rundown on how the franchise will navigate following the NBA’s punishment against them. During the message, he reaffirmed their commitment to Ty Lue as head coach, and thanked Kawhi Leonard for his service to the team.

“Good afternoon. The future of the Los Angeles Clippers begins right now. To Clipper Nation, our players, coaches, staff, partners, and everyone who believes in this organisation, we thank you…

>“We gather at an important moment in our history. Every successful organisation faces defining moments. Moments that provide an opportunity to move forward with renewed purpose…

>“We will build bridges. We will engage openly with our players, staff, fans, sponsors, business partners, the NBA, fellow governors, the players’ association, and our communities.

>“We want to hear your concerns. We want your ideas. We want your perspective. We will listen with humility. We will act with purpose.

>“Excellence requires accountability. We will continue working closely with the NBA to ensure strong compliance systems, effective oversight, and the highest professional standards throughout our organisation.

>“Our goal is straightforward. Compete with integrity, operate with professionalism, and earn and maintain the confidence of our fans, players, partners, and the league. Trust is not given; trust is earned.

>“Ty Lue remains our head coach, and we have complete confidence in his leadership. Ty has repeatedly demonstrated the ability to overcome adversity, unite teams, and inspire players to perform at their best. His leadership will be instrumental.

>“We’ve also completed our trade with Toronto. We thank Kawhi for his contributions on the court, and we wish him well.”

>This is a heavily sanitised statement from Gibson, one that is intended to help the franchise’s PR and reputation with their fans, players, staff, and sponsors.

>So it makes sense why he wouldn’t single out Kawhi Leonard, especially when one considers how the NBPA reportedly played a role in the former NBA champion not receiving any major punishments for his role in the Aspiration scandal.

>However, this statement of gratitude, no matter how insincere or forced, might not go down well with a fanbase that blames Leonard for the state their franchise is in now.

>Read more:

Brian Windhorst says there’s something NBA fans need to accept about Kawhi Leonard’s new Raptors deal • >‘My son…’ – Kawhi Leonard reveals personal reason why he chose Raptors over other NBA teams • >Kawhi Leonard makes surprising Scottie Barnes admission after Toronto Raptors trade