Kawhi Leonard Nears Return as Clippers Face Hawks
The Los Angeles Clippers are on the brink of welcoming back a key player, Kawhi Leonard, who is nearing his season debut against the Atlanta Hawks this Saturday. This potential return marks a significant moment for the Clippers, who have had to navigate the first part of the season without Leonard due to inflammation in his right knee.
Leonard's absence has certainly been felt. Despite holding a commendable 19-15 record without their star forward, the Clippers have had to rely heavily on their defensive prowess—ranked among the top five in the league—to stay competitive. Conversely, their offensive performance has struggled, ranking in the bottom 10 of the NBA. Leonard's skill set is expected to provide a much-needed boost on the offensive end, as evidenced by his impressive stats from the previous season where he averaged 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.6 steals, and 0.9 blocks per game over an average of 34.3 minutes.
Having been upgraded to 'questionable' for the upcoming game, Leonard's return is closely anticipated. Since December 18, he has been participating in full-contact 5-on-5 practice sessions, a necessary step towards game readiness. Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue emphasized the importance of these sessions, especially for someone like Leonard who "doesn't like to play 5-on-5 a lot outside of the games, but this is very important to the medical staff."
The prospect of Leonard's return is also a relief for the Clippers' roster as it allows for a more balanced distribution of responsibilities. James Harden, who is shouldering an increased load with a usage rate reminiscent of his high-volume playing days in the 2019-20 season, stands to benefit. Leonard’s integration back into the lineup will help redistribute the offensive duties. Harden's advice for Leonard is simple: "Just work your way in." He also recognized Leonard’s value by describing him as a "unique weapon on both ends of the floor."
Leonard's accolades from the 2023-24 season, including a spot on the All-NBA Second Team, underscore the kind of impact he can have when fully healthy. Known for his defensive tenacity and offensive versatility, Leonard's presence is a game-changer. His return could not only bolster the Clippers' standings on the offensive side but also elevate the team's overall dynamics.
As the Clippers prepare to face the Hawks, the potential re-introduction of Leonard into the roster injects a newfound energy and optimism into the team. It also poses interesting tactical considerations for Lue as he adapts rotations and strategies to reincorporate his star player, balancing immediate performance with long-term health considerations.
The final decision regarding Leonard's participation will likely rest with the medical team and Leonard himself, measuring the risk against the context of a long NBA season. As the Clippers continue to aim high this season and beyond, having Leonard back in the mix offers the team a clearer path towards realizing their championship aspirations.