Kawhi Leonard, a cornerstone of the Los Angeles Clippers and one of the league's most gifted players, will be missing from the court as the team enters the regular NBA season. This development comes as Leonard continues his recovery from inflammation in his right knee—a region that has proven troublesome in recent years.
Leonard’s Ongoing Rehabilitation Struggles
The extenuating circumstances surrounding Leonard’s knee are undeniable. Back in the 2021 playoffs, Leonard tore his ACL, a severe injury that sidelined him for the entire 2021-22 season. Although he returned to action, his knee issues persisted. During the 2023 playoffs, he suffered a meniscus tear in the same knee, which necessitated a medical procedure in May.
Since then, Leonard has been on a strict rehabilitation regimen, described by Clippers assistant coach Brian Shaw as "doing everything he can to rehab it and strengthen that knee on his own, with our medical staff." Although the swelling was reportedly "almost gone" by late September, the Clippers are choosing caution over haste. The intention is to ensure Leonard is fully fit, not just for the impending season but for many years to come, as emphasized by Lawrence Frank, the Clippers' team president.
A Shift in Strategy at Clippers
This necessary absence of Leonard has precipitated significant adjustments within the Clippers' camp. Recently, the team has adopted a careful approach in handling Leonard's rehabilitation, a decision well-explained by Frank who stated, "The goal is to get him 100% so he can have a great season, not just this year but for many years." This strategy also aligns with his statement: "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."
As a result, the Clippers have had to reconsider their lineup as they navigate the start of the season without one of their most important players. With the departure of Paul George in free agency, the team is experiencing a transition in both defensive and offensive roles. Derrick Jones Jr. and Terance Mann are stepping up defensively, while James Harden and Norman Powell are expected to spearhead the Clippers' offensive efforts. Leonard’s absence leaves a palpable void, especially considering that he made the All-NBA Second Team the previous season despite his struggles with injuries.
An Indefinite Timeline
Coach Tyronn Lue has noted Leonard's absence from the team’s daily activities, as corroborated by Brian Shaw: "He has not been a part of what we've been doing on a daily basis." This status underscores the team’s intent to prioritize Leonard’s long-term health over immediate returns. Without setting a definitive return date, the coaching staff is monitoring his progress closely, awaiting the moment when Leonard can return to his full capability.
Lawrence Frank’s observation, "We're trending in a really, really good direction," conveys an air of optimism that resonates through the organization. However, he was quick to qualify this positivity with caution, adding, "We're in a really good place, but we want to keep it in a good place."
As the Clippers face the season opener without Leonard, the task ahead is Herculean. They must harness the talents of their existing roster to compensate for the absence of their all-star forward. While the timeline for Leonard’s return remains indefinite, the Clippers’ strategy is clear: prioritize long-term health and broader team cohesion to navigate the road ahead.
In a world where championships are won and lost by the narrowest of margins, the Clippers understand that patience with their star player's recovery could very well be the key to unlocking future success.