The Los Angeles Clippers' hopes for the upcoming NBA season face a significant challenge as their star player, Kawhi Leonard, is set to miss the start of the regular season. Leonard is in the process of rehabilitating his right knee, which has been plagued with inflammation.
Leonard's absence stems from a series of unfortunate injuries that have plagued his career in recent years. Having torn his ACL during the 2021 playoffs and missing the entirety of the 2021-22 season as a result, Leonard faced another setback when he tore his meniscus in the same knee during the 2023 playoffs. Following a procedure in May, Leonard's return to the court remains indefinite as the Clippers organization takes a cautious approach to his rehabilitation.
The Recovery Process
Clippers assistant coach Brian Shaw highlights the current situation, saying Leonard "has not been a part of what we've been doing on a daily basis." However, there's optimism surrounding Leonard’s progress. Shaw added, "He’s doing everything he can to rehab it and strengthen that knee on his own, with our medical staff." Despite the challenges, the franchise is showing restraint and patience in managing their star player's health.
Lawrence Frank, the team's president, shares Shaw's optimism, stating, "We're trending in a really, really good direction." Frank underscores the importance of allowing Leonard the necessary time to recuperate fully. "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," Frank noted. He emphasizes that the ultimate goal remains getting Leonard to 100% health not just for this season but to ensure his longevity in the league, "not just this year but for many years."
Team Adjustments
The Clippers are reconfiguring their strategies and lineup to counter Leonard's absence. This season has already seen some key changes with Paul George departing in free agency, leaving a noticeable gap in the Clippers' roster. In response, Derrick Jones Jr. and Terance Mann are stepping up to take over defensive duties, while James Harden and Norman Powell are expected to lead the team offensively.
Head coach Tyronn Lue, guided by the insights of assistant coach Shaw, will be crucial in orchestrating these changes. The Clippers’ coaching staff has remained mum about a specific timeline for Leonard's return, emphasizing the importance of keeping the star's recovery on track and sustainable in the long run. "We're in a really good place, but we want to keep it in a good place," Frank said, echoing the cautious yet positive sentiment surrounding Leonard’s journey back to the court.
Kawhi's Determination
Despite the setbacks, Leonard's determination remains unwavering. Known for his resilience and work ethic, he managed to secure a spot on the All-NBA Second Team last season, providing a glimpse of his potential impact when healthy. The Clippers' management is fully aware of this potential, showing every indication that they will spare no effort in ensuring Leonard gets back to his best.
As the Clippers prepare for the new season, their adaptability and resilience will be put to the test. With Leonard's health as a priority and a restructured team dynamic in place, the Clippers are poised to navigate the challenges ahead, hopeful for a triumphant return of their star player.