In a highly anticipated development, LA Clippers star forward Kawhi Leonard is planning to make his season debut on Saturday against the Atlanta Hawks at Intuit Dome, according to sources. The Clippers upgraded Leonard’s status to questionable on Friday night, signaling his imminent return to the court for the first time since April 26 of last year.
Leonard, a two-time NBA Finals MVP, has been sidelined for the entirety of the 2024-25 season thus far due to persistent inflammation in his right knee. The Clippers organization and Leonard himself have taken an extremely cautious approach with the injury, prioritizing his long-term health and aiming to prevent any potential setbacks.
Injury History and Cautious Approach
Last season, Leonard sat out the final eight regular-season games and Game 1 of the Clippers’ first-round playoff series against the Dallas Mavericks. He attempted a brief comeback in Games 2 and 3 but struggled to regain his usual form, contributing just nine points and nine rebounds in Game 3 on April 26 before being shut down for the remainder of the series.
The inflammation was still troublesome.
Kawhi Leonard on his knee injury last season
Throughout the offseason and preseason, Leonard did not participate in practices with the Clippers, focusing instead on allowing the inflammation to subside and taking every precaution to prevent its recurrence. He was able to take part in USA Basketball’s training camp in July, but the national team ultimately decided to replace him with Boston Celtics point guard Derrick White.
Clippers Thriving Despite Leonard’s Absence
Despite being without their superstar forward, the Clippers have defied expectations and performed remarkably well this season. They currently hold a 19-15 record, good for second place in the competitive Pacific Division.
Much of the credit for the Clippers’ success can be attributed to the elevated play of veteran forward Norman Powell. Powell has stepped up in Leonard’s absence, leading the team in scoring with an impressive 23.6 points per game, a significant increase from his average of 13.9 points last season.
What to Expect from Leonard’s Return
As the 33-year-old Leonard prepares to make his season debut, all eyes will be on how he performs and how his knee responds to the rigors of NBA action. In the 2023-24 season, Leonard appeared in 68 games, averaging 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per contest.
While it may take some time for Leonard to shake off the rust and regain his rhythm, his return undoubtedly bolsters the Clippers’ championship aspirations. With Leonard’s elite two-way abilities and the team’s impressive depth, the Clippers have the potential to emerge as a formidable force in the Western Conference.
As the basketball world eagerly awaits Kawhi Leonard’s season debut, the focus will be on his health, performance, and the overall impact his return has on the Clippers’ trajectory. If Leonard can recapture his pre-injury form and seamlessly reintegrate into the lineup, the Clippers’ championship odds will undoubtedly rise.
