The Los Angeles Clippers, a team accustomed to navigating the unpredictable seas of the NBA, must once again chart a course without their superstar forward Kawhi Leonard as they enter the new season. Leonard, who has been an essential piece of the Clippers’ ambitions since joining the team, is set to miss the start of the regular season as he continues to rehabilitate his persistently troublesome right knee.
Knee Troubles Persist
Kawhi Leonard's knee issues have been a saga of setbacks and recoveries. The injury trail dates back to the 2021 playoffs, a period marked by Leonard tearing his ACL in his right knee, which sidelined him for the entire 2021-22 campaign. In a disheartening recurrence, he tore his meniscus during the 2023 playoffs, necessitating a surgical procedure this past May.
The ongoing rehabilitation process has kept Leonard away from the Clippers' daily practices and preparations, generating a notable absence from a team that has repeatedly recalibrated its hopes around his return. Clippers assistant coach Brian Shaw confirmed, “He has not been a part of what we've been doing on a daily basis,” emphasizing the team's patient approach while highlighting Leonard’s commitment to his recovery process.
Indefinite Return
The Clippers have classified Leonard’s return as indefinite, preferring to adopt a vigilant strategy to ensure his long-term health. Lawrence Frank, the team president, conveyed an optimistic outlook, saying, "We're trending in a really, really good direction," reflecting the cautious optimism permeating the Clippers' camp. Frank stressed the importance of not imposing strict timelines on Leonard’s return, stating, "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."
Leonard’s knee, as reported in late September, showed significant healing with swelling “almost gone.” However, the Clippers remain firm in their belief that prudence is paramount to avoid any further complications, with Frank mentioning, "The goal is to get him 100% so he can have a great season, not just this year but for many years."
Team Adjustments
Adjustments on the court are inevitable as the Clippers prepare to start the season without Leonard. The team is restructuring its lineup to compensate for the absence of their defensive and offensive lynchpin. The departure of Paul George in free agency intensifies this challenge, demanding new defensive and offensive schemes.
Derrick Jones Jr. and Terance Mann are expected to assume more significant defensive responsibilities, attempting to fill part of the defensive void left by Leonard’s injury and George’s departure. Offensively, James Harden and Norman Powell are anticipated to command the Clippers’ scoring duties, tasked with leading the charge to keep the team competitive in Leonard's absence.
Looking Ahead
Despite Leonard's absence and the associated restructuring, the Clippers staff remains steadfast in their strategy to nurture Leonard’s full recovery. While missing the start of the season is far from ideal, the belief in Leonard’s ability to make a triumphant return when he's fully recovered is palpable. This sentiment was echoed by Frank, who noted, "We're in a really good place, but we want to keep it in a good place.”
As the regular season draws near, Clippers fans and NBA followers alike await further updates on Leonard's rehabilitation with bated breath, knowing that his return could significantly alter the course of the Clippers' season. The focus at present remains crystal clear: ensuring that Leonard's next step onto the court sees him at his best, both for himself and for the team's long-term success.