Bruce Bowen Won't Return as Clippers Analyst Following Kawhi Leonard Criticism

While it's safe to say that most of the drama surrounding the final days/final season of Kawhi Leonard in San Antonio is over (seeing as how he was traded to Toronto and all) it would appear that there's still some BS that has to be addressed before everyone (keyword here) can move on.

Unfortunately for ex-Spur-turned-color-commentator Bruce Bowen, that means he's now out of a job as an analyst for the Clippers after he made comments that were critical of Leonard. Fox Sports West technically employed Bowen, but like every major sports franchise with a TV deal, the Clippers had input into who calls the games for their organization.

For those unaware, Bowen made comments on a Sirius XM Radio show in late June that questioned whether Kawhi was milking his injury this past year instead of returning to the court, which was not an uncommon belief.

"I think there's nothing but excuses going on," Bowen said. "First, it was, 'Well I was misdiagnosed.' Look here: You got $18 million this year, and you think that they're trying to rush you? You didn't play for the most part a full season this year. And you're the go-to guy, you're the franchise, and you want to say that they didn't have your best interest at heart? Are you kidding me?

"I think he's getting bad advice. I think what you're starting to see now is an individual given a certain amount of advice, and it's not the right advice. Here it is: You were protected in San Antonio. You were able to come up during a time where you still could lean on Tim [Duncan], Tony [Parker] and Manu [Ginobili]."

According to ESPN, Bowen and Fox Sports were expected to come to terms on a new deal before these comments. Bowen was signed before the 2017-18 season, making this a very short run in that position. Prior to that temporary stop, he was an analyst for ESPN.

As for the Clippers, their extreme reaction to a brief interview response stems from the fact that they had tried to put together their own package to acquire Leonard after it was obvious the Spurs were going to deal him, and they are also expected to make him a lucrative offer when he hits the free agent market next summer. Despite the blockbuster trade that netted the Spurs DeMar DeRozan, league sources still expect Kawhi to ultimately end up in Los Angeles, with either the Clippers or Lakers, when he signs a new contract in 2019.