The Los Angeles Clippers are gearing up for a challenging start to their upcoming NBA season, with their key star Kawhi Leonard sidelined due to ongoing knee issues. The uncertainty surrounding Leonard's return has forced the team to rethink their strategies and roster setup as they brace for the early games without one of their most valuable players.
Kawhi Leonard has been dealing with knee problems since tearing his ACL during the 2021 playoffs, a significant injury that caused him to miss the entirety of the 2021-22 season. The trials and tribulations did not end there for Leonard and the Clippers. In the 2023 playoffs, he sustained further damage with a meniscus tear in the same knee, necessitating a procedure in May for rehabilitation purposes. As of now, his return to the team remains indefinite as he continues to manage inflammation in his right knee.
Rehabilitation and Recovery
The Clippers have expressed a cautious optimism regarding Leonard's recovery process. According to assistant coach Brian Shaw, "He has not been a part of what we've been doing on a daily basis." Shaw went on to affirm Leonard's commitment to his rehabilitation, stating, "He’s doing everything he can to rehab it and strengthen that knee on his own, with our medical staff."
Lawrence Frank, the Clippers' team president, echoes this sentiment of patience mixed with hope. "We're trending in a really, really good direction," he said, emphasizing the importance of a long-term view in Leonard's rehabilitation journey. "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."
The goal, as Frank puts it, is to ensure Leonard returns to full health not just to contend this season, but for the longevity of his career. "The goal is to get him 100% so he can have a great season, not just this year but for many years," he stated.
Preparing for the Season Without Leonard
With Leonard's return date uncertain, the Clippers have had to restructure their lineup to accommodate his absence. The departure of Paul George in free agency has further complicated matters, creating a vacuum in the defensive line-up that the team is striving to fill. Derrick Jones Jr. and Terance Mann have been tapped to step into greater defensive roles, tasked with anchoring a new-look lineup.
On the offensive end, the Clippers are looking to James Harden and Norman Powell to shoulder the burden of scoring. This dynamic duo is expected to be the primary offensive weapons, a role that Leonard occupied when he was fit and available. Last season, Leonard’s performance was remarkable despite sporadic injury spells, earning him a spot on the All-NBA Second Team. The Clippers will miss his presence on both ends of the floor, and their success in the opening phases of the season will largely depend on how effectively Harden and Powell can rise to the occasion.
Looking Forward
As the Clippers gear up for the start of the season, the mood is one of cautious optimism. "We're in a really good place, but we want to keep it in a good place," said Frank, voicing a shared belief in the scouting and coaching departments' ability to navigate the initial hiccups of the season.
While the Clippers' faithful eagerly await Leonard's return, his health remains paramount. The team's management and fans alike are well-aware of Leonard's invaluable contribution when fit, and they are prepared to weather the initial storm with the hope that a healthy Kawhi could lead them to the promised land in the latter part of the season.
Ultimately, the Clippers' approach mirrors that of their star player – focused, determined, and patient. With a strategic eye on the future and a tactical plan for the present, the Clippers are poised to ride out this early wave, waiting for their cornerstone player's rehabilitation to conclude successfully.