2. Ty Lue will check with the medical staff on Kawhi Leonard
This one seemed a little more of a non-answer but I think Clipper Nation still felt good. Ty’s answer about the on-court chemistry issues obviously drew the follow-up question about Kawhi Leonard and his load management.
We all know that the load management was deemed necessary in order for him to play a full season without a nagging injury but we were never told if it was something he may have to do for the rest of his career.
Luckily, Ty Lue doesn’t necessarily think it is. When asked if Kawhi would not play on back-to-backs this season, Ty said he would have to check with the medical staff.
The fact that he wouldn’t commit either way is sort of nice. Had he immediately said “No, he’s not playing in those”, fans would likely have been upset and ready for another disappointing year. Instead, he left the door open to Kawhi playing all season – something that could help the team in their preparation for the postseason.
Obviously, Ty won’t be going against the wishes of the medical staff. If they think Kawhi still needs to load manage then he surely will. Still, it’s nice to have Ty thinking about that and what issues (if any) it might cause long-term for the success of the Clippers.