Los Angeles Clippers fans have yet another reason to be patient as the NBA season tips off, with news that star forward Kawhi Leonard will miss the start of the regular season. Leonard is currently in a delicate phase of rehabilitation, nursing a right knee that has been a source of significant setbacks in recent years.
A Prolonged Absence
Leonard's absence is far from new territory for the Clippers. The two-time NBA Finals MVP has been on an extended journey of recuperation since tearing the ACL in his right knee during the 2021 playoffs—an injury that prompted him to sit out the entire 2021-22 season. Compounding the problem, Leonard tore his meniscus in the same knee during the 2023 playoffs. Following a procedure in May aimed at addressing his latest knee issues, Leonard is focused on regaining strength and returning to full health.
Commitment to Caution
The Clippers are exercising extreme caution with Leonard, opting for a strategy that prioritizes his long-term health over immediate returns. "The goal is to get him 100% so he can have a great season, not just this year but for many years," stated Lawrence Frank, the Clippers' team president.
Assistant coach Brian Shaw corroborated this approach, noting that Leonard "has not been a part of what we've been doing on a daily basis." Instead, the star forward is focused on a tailored rehabilitation program, working closely with the team's medical staff. Shaw affirmed, "He’s doing everything he can to rehab it and strengthen that knee on his own, with our medical staff."
A Shifting Roster
Leonard's absence significantly impacts the Clippers' roster dynamics as they adjust their lineup for the upcoming season. The team has already seen changes, with Paul George departing during free agency. As a result, Derrick Jones Jr. and Terance Mann are stepping into prominent defensive roles, while James Harden and Norman Powell are expected to carry the bulk of offensive duties.
This restructured lineup is a product of necessity, and the Clippers’ management remains cautiously optimistic. "We're trending in a really, really good direction," Frank expressed, acknowledging the delicate balance between optimism and realism that needs to be maintained. “We're in a really good place, but we want to keep it in a good place."
Progress and Prospects
Importantly, there are signs of progress. By late September, reports indicated that the swelling in Leonard's knee was "almost gone," a promising development in his protracted recovery. Yet, Frank and the Clippers' coaching staff remain reticent to provide a specific timeline for Leonard's return. The overarching sentiment is one of cautious optimism blended with prudence: "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 emphasized.
In the meantime, the Clippers are preparing to navigate the initial challenges of the season without their marquee player, leveraging their depth and the capabilities of their new-look lineup. Leonard’s return remains indefinite, and the team is committed to a strategy that ensures not just a season of impact, but a sustainable future.
The Clippers, undeterred by the challenges of the present, are setting their sights on long-term success. As they navigate their immediate obstacles, the guiding principle of preserving Leonard’s health resonates through the organization. Until Leonard's promising trajectory culminates in a return to the hardwood, Clippers fans will have to trust the process—a familiar refrain in the ever-unpredictable world of professional sports.