The Los Angeles Clippers will start the new NBA season without one of their most pivotal players, Kawhi Leonard. A vital component of the Clippers’ arsenal, Leonard now finds himself sidelined due to persistent issues with his right knee, a circumstance that not only impacts the team’s dynamics but also casts uncertainty over his return to the court.
Kawhi's Ongoing Battle with Knee Injuries
Kawhi Leonard's struggles with injuries are not new to his journey with the Clippers. His woes began during the 2021 playoffs when he suffered a crucial ACL tear in his right knee, which subsequently led to him missing the entirety of the 2021-22 season. Since then, Leonard has been engaged in an ongoing battle to regain full fitness. His ordeal was exacerbated when he tore his meniscus in the same knee during the 2023 playoffs, necessitating a surgical procedure in May of this year.
Currently, Leonard is grappling with inflammation in his rehabilitating knee. The Clippers organization has opted to take cautious steps in managing his return, indicating that there is no definitive timeline for his comeback. Clippers president Lawrence Frank emphasized the importance of patience: “The goal is to get him 100% so he can have a great season, not just this year but for many years.” His approach reflects the emphasis placed not just on a swift return, but on ensuring Leonard’s long-term health and performance.
Managing Without Leonard
As Kawhi Leonard remains out of the team's daily activities, the Clippers are forced to reorganize their roster to compensate for his absence. Paul George's departure in free agency has added to the team's challenges, leaving the Clippers in the position of having to adjust their core strategies and player responsibilities. Derrick Jones Jr. and Terance Mann have been tasked with taking over key defensive duties, while James Harden and Norman Powell are expected to shoulder the offensive load.
Clippers coach Tyronn Lue, with insights from assistant coach Brian Shaw, confirmed, “He has not been a part of what we've been doing on a daily basis.” Nevertheless, Leonard's presence is keenly missed, and the team is fully aware of the impact of his absence on their overall performance.
Cautious Optimism
There is room for cautious optimism in the Clippers’ camp. The swelling in Kawhi’s knee was reported to be "almost gone" as of late September, a signal that his rehabilitation is progressing positively. Lawrence Frank reassured fans and stakeholders by saying, “We're in a really good place, but we want to keep it in a good place.” Although his statement acknowledges the progress made, it also underscores the need to maintain pace and care in Leonard's recovery process.
Assistant coach Brian Shaw highlighted Leonard's determination and efforts, stating, “He’s doing everything he can to rehab it and strengthen that knee on his own, with our medical staff.” Such dedication is indicative of Leonard's commitment to returning stronger and contributing significantly to his team.
Envisioning the Season Ahead
Despite the uncertainty around Leonard’s return, the Clippers organization refrains from pinning down exact dates, with Lawrence Frank articulating, “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 prudent approach is designed to mitigate risks and ensure that Leonard can not only return in optimal condition but also sustain his physique over subsequent seasons.
While Leonard made the All-NBA Second Team last season despite his injury troubles, his absence at the start of this season is a notable challenge. The Clippers are hopeful that by adopting a meticulous and patient approach to his recovery, Leonard will not only lead the team to success this season but also in future campaigns. For now, maintaining balance and resilience appears to be the Clippers’ immediate objective as they forge ahead without their star player.