Terance Mann hopes to workout with Kawhi Leonard

Much like his soft-spoken personality on the court, Kawhi Leonard has been largely quiet off it.

Since limping off the court during the 2020 Western Conference Semis due to a torn ACL, Leonard has become the LA Clippers biggest supporter. But while the multiple-time All-Star has continued to clap and root his teammates on, an undeniable cloud of mystery has surrounded his recovery process.

Initially, Clippers fans were led to believe that if Paul George, Reggie Jackson, and head coach Ty Lue kept them in the thick of things, Leonard would look to return for a postseason run. Yet, with LA finishing strong down the stretch before eventually faltering in the play-in round, Leonard was never given the green light to return.

Terance Mann anxious to workout with his star teammate

Still, despite playing it safe during his rehab process, and regardless of the countless reports of Leonard progressing well, seldom has he been seen outside of his street clothes. Although LA fans have been forced to rely on what could be spurious injury updates, blurry pictures of Leonard leaving the practice court, and short video snippets of the two-time Defensive Player of the Year swishing a midrange jumper, Terance Mann, his current teammate, has watched Leonard closely throughout the year.

Even now, as LA has long been ushered out of the playoff picture, Leonard has refused to take any time off. Inspired by Leonard’s seemingly perpetual grind, Mann is anxious to join him on the practice court. First things first, however, after averaging a career high of 10.8 points per game this past season for a 42-win Clippers team, the third-year guard plans on kicking up his feet and relaxing before attempting to improve his game alongside Leonard.

“It’s a new sight for us almost seeing him out there every day doing whatever the workouts are,” said Mann during an interview with Andrew Greif of the LA Times. “Yeah, it’s been cool to see. Haven’t been able to get out there with him yet but I actually talked to him the other day and was going to get to it when I get back from Italy.”