Los Angeles Clippers fans find themselves in a familiar scenario as they prepare for another NBA season without the certainty of having their star forward, Kawhi Leonard, on the court. The Clippers have announced that Leonard will miss the beginning of the regular season due to lingering issues with his right knee, which has been plagued by repeated injuries in recent years.
Ongoing Rehabilitation
Kawhi Leonard is currently in the midst of rehabilitating the knee to address inflammation. The knee troubles date back to a torn ACL during the 2021 playoffs, which forced Leonard to sit out the entire 2021-22 season. He faced further complications when he tore his meniscus in the same knee during the 2023 playoffs, requiring a procedure in May of this year.
Clippers assistant coach Brian Shaw notes that Leonard has not participated in the team's daily activities, underscoring the seriousness of his current condition. "He has not been a part of what we've been doing on a daily basis," Shaw confirmed, emphasizing the gap between Leonard's individual efforts and the collective team activities.
Clippers' Cautious Approach
The Clippers are being notably cautious in managing Leonard’s rehabilitation. The team has publicly stated that Leonard's return will remain indefinite as they monitor his progress closely. Team President Lawrence Frank has reported positive signs regarding Leonard's recovery. "We're trending in a really, really good direction," Frank stated, while also emphasizing the importance of not rushing Leonard back to the lineup. “The goal is to get him 100% so he can have a great season, not just this year but for many years,” he added, underlining a long-term perspective on Leonard’s health and contribution to the team.
Lawrence Frank further stressed the careful management of Leonard's condition, asserting, "I know he's super determined to have a really, really great year, but the timing -- I think, when it comes to your body and your health, I don't think you put timeframes on it." This approach aligns with the Clippers' broader strategy to keep their star player in peak condition for future campaigns rather than risking a premature return.
Restructuring the Lineup
With Leonard sidelined, the Clippers have initiated adjustments to their lineup to compensate for his absence. Notably, Paul George has departed from the team in free agency, creating additional challenges for head coach Tyronn Lue and his coaching team. In response, Derrick Jones Jr. and Terance Mann have been tasked with stepping up their defensive roles, while the offensive load is expected to fall on the shoulders of James Harden and Norman Powell.
Despite internal changes, the Clippers remain optimistic about Leonard's eventual return. Frank stated, "We're in a really good place, but we want to keep it in a good place," suggesting that while the current situation is stable, they remain cautious about the future.
The Bigger Picture
Kawhi Leonard's contribution to the team, even amidst his injury challenges, cannot be understated. Last season, despite not being fully fit, he was selected to the All-NBA Second Team, highlighting his impact when available. The team and fans alike are hopeful that Leonard will return to this level of performance once fully rehabilitated. As the Clippers maintain their conservative approach, the overarching aim is to see Leonard back at his best, leading the team to success on the court. Until then, the Clippers are adopting a strategic, team-oriented mindset, seeking to remain competitive as they await their star’s return.