Since his earliest days with the LA Clippers, franchise superstar Kawhi Leonard has always been known as one of the best two-way players in the game. At full health, he elevates the Clippers on both sides of the ball, making them eligible to compete in the NBA Finals.
However, Leonard’s recent impact on the Clippers has been up in the air due to a knee injury he suffered in the 2024 postseason. He still contributed from the sidelines, but there is only so much the two-time champion can do off the court.
Leonard trusted the training staff, remained consistent, and kicked the new year off with a return against the Atlanta Hawks. Despite just 12 points in the books, the offense looked far more powerful than ever before.
Furthermore, with Leonard on the floor, head coach Tyronn Lue’s analytics will skyrocket immediately. Although he is a lockdown defender, the Clippers need his help offensively to thrive as the best two-way team in basketball.
The LA Clippers’ offense will inevitably succeed with superstar Kawhi Leonard back in the lineup.
Prior to Kawhi Leonard’s debut, the LA Clippers handed the scoring and playmaking duties to former MVP James Harden. Though he is shooting an underwhelming 39.2% from the field and 34.5% from three, Harden is dominating with 21.5 points and 8.0 assists, including 13.2 potential assists per contest.
While these advanced metrics seem impressive, the Clippers’ offense has the league’s 23rd-best offensive rating. This is in the ballpark of teams like the 76ers and Nets, which is unacceptable, as the fanbase has a dream to win the championship.
Conversely, the Clippers will likely climb the ladder as Leonard re-adjusts to basketball activities. He is another threat Tyronn Lue can utilize on all three levels. Additionally, Harden’s assists could increase, leading to improvements in the team’s offensive statistics.
Last season, Leonard played 68 games, the third most in his 14-year career, where he posted 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.6 assists. This was one of his best campaigns, as he was honored with an all-star and all-NBA selection. In the midst of his greatness, the Clippers concluded with an offensive rating of 117.9, the fourth-best in the NBA.
That said, the current roster may be different from last season, but the common denominator stands still. The Clippers’ offense needs Leonard in the equation, as they rely heavily on their defense when he is recovering on the sidelines.