Super Bowl Sunday is for all intents and purposes, a national holiday. But for Kawhi Leonard, it was just another day of healthy basketball. 

The Minnesota Timberwolves had a front-row seat to a Leonard masterclass as they were helpless in trying to stop his jumpshots, layups, and could only watch as he muscled his way in the post against taller defenders. It was an efficient 41 points for the seven-time NBA All-Star, who shot above 45 percent from the field and behind the 3-point line. However, for all his greatness, there is this feeling that his body of work is taken with a grain of salt. 

It’s the cost of having missed more games than I could care to count (Leonard has played in 772 games as of this writing, but a person of his tenure should be much closer to 1,000 games by now.) In the last five seasons, the 34-year old has only played more than 65 regular season games once due to a bothersome knee that he could not get right. The injury derailed many Los Angeles Clipper campaigns that it does beg the question: What if he was healthy? 

Nonetheless, Leonard continues to persevere. With Paul George having left for Philadelphia last season and James Harden moving to Cleveland during this season’s trade deadline, all the Clippers have left is Leonard. And this may be his best season in Los Angeles yet. 

Leonard has already had four 40-point performances, the most he’s ever had in a single season. He’s already played in more games this season (39) than in the previous campaign (37) and he could very well finish this season not only in playing in 50 regular season games, but doing so with a career-high average in points. It’s a testament to Leonard’s capability to lead the Clippers in this new chapter and it will also erase any doubts as to why the California native was named an All-Star this season. 

Many of the NBA’s best sitting out due to various injuries has certainly leveled the playing field, but it can also be said that being named an All-Star this season is a recognition of Leonard having a pretty solid campaign. It’s more likely than not that Leonard will see limited action in the All-Star Game or at least keep his foot slightly off the pedal as he plays the long game while serving as a gracious host for the midseason festivities. 

In reality, though, none of the noise matters to Kawhi Leonard, who has allowed himself to be judged by his play and his absences. This season has been a treat for the Los Angeles Clippers, who are looking like they’re getting the best version of Leonard. Basketball is better off with a healthy Leonard and it’s in everyone’s best interests that he stays that way.