Although the LA Clippers have performed better than expected to start the season, they would likely be a top-three seed at full health. Numerous injuries have affected the active roster, but the most important is franchise superstar Kawhi Leonard, who has dealt with knee issues stemming from the 2024 playoffs.
Leonard brings a strong, two-way presence the Clippers could use next to stars James Harden and Norman Powell. These three would accelerate off one another, leaving opposing teams hopeless on both ends of the court.
Fortunately for the Clippers, Leonard has progressed significantly towards a return. This is excellent news for head coach Tyronn Lue, as he will now have one of the best talents in the league to run his offense through.
Conversely, load management could become an option for Leonard and the Clippers until further notice. This is likely the best practice to prepare for a deep run in the 2025 postseason. If the coaching staff does not take appropriate precautions, their superstar will remain at risk of injury, especially in the early return stages.
Kawhi Leonard is set to return against the Golden State Warriors.
According to Joey Linn of Sports Illustrated, Kawhi Leonard has practiced in full contact five-on-five and will travel with the LA Clippers on the road. Although he will not be playing, this is a major step in the return process. Additionally, Leonard could make a difference on the sidelines in constructing plays and guiding the rising stars.
Kawhi Leonard practiced full contact five on five today. He’s gonna travel with the team but won’t play on the trip.
— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) December 18, 2024
Last season, Leonard averaged 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.6 assists on extremely efficient three-level splits. After playing two battles against Dallas in the postseason, he was sidelined with knee inflammations. This played a crucial factor in the Clippers' first-round exit.
Furthermore, Leonard's return to practice indicates he is trending in the right direction. Given where he currently stands, Law Murray of The Athletic indicates the six-time all-star will debut in Intuit Dome directly after the Clippers return from their road trip. This gives the coaching staff ample time to develop a successful scheme and jump into the Western Conference top six.
The December 27 Warriors at LA game is looking more and more like the logical return date for Kawhi Leonard at this current trajectory of progress.
— Law Murray ⚛️ (@LawMurrayTheNU) December 18, 2024
However, when Leonard does return, the coaching staff must slowly increase his minutes. Allowing him to check in off the bench to start the new year would be best, as he has missed a substantial amount of time. These decisions parallel the Clippers' plans for the future and what's best for the two-time champion late into his career.