Kawhi Leonard missed for the eighth time in 10 games this season during the Los Angeles Clippers’ loss to the Utah Jazz on Sunday. Beyond the number of games he has missed, what is truly worrying within the organization is the absence of a precise schedule for his return.
The two-time Finals MVP has only played 42 minutes spread over two games, in which he has averaged 12.5 points and 6.5 rebounds. The last time he wore shorts coincided with the Angelenos’ matchup against the Phoenix Suns on October 23, more than two weeks ago.
Despite this concern, the Clippers’ coaching staff wanted to be optimistic with the public. Notably, Leonard missed the entire 2021-22 season while rehabbing from surgery on a partially torn ACL in his right knee.
“We knew that coming out of a knee injury like that was not going to follow a defined or stable line,” said manager Tyronn Lue. “The most important thing is that he is progressing well. We will simply follow the advice of our medical staff. We have to be smart about the situation.”
Lue added that Leonard continues to work outside the group and acknowledged that they still don’t know when he will play again. “He is progressing and improving. That’s the most important thing,” said the head coach. “But there’s really no set time frame about when he’s going to be ready to come back.”
The Clippers maintain their aspirations to win the first NBA championship, a goal that injuries have taken care of dynamite in recent years. And Leonard figures as one of the main on-track catalysts for these expectations. Without him, the Clippers have started the season with a record of five wins and five losses.
(Cover photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
