The Clippers coach remains optimistic about Leonard’s participation against the Hawks.
Kawhi Leonard, the star of the Los Angeles Clippers, is ready to return to the NBA courts for the first time this season. On Friday night, the Clippers updated their medical report and declared Leonard questionable for Saturday’s game against the Atlanta Hawks, raising hopes of a possible return.
According to Shams Charania of ESPN, Leonard plans to make his debut this Saturday at the Intuit Dome. The six-time All-Star has spent the last few months recovering from a right knee injury. His last game in the NBA dates back to April 26, during the first round of the Western Conference playoffs against Dallas.
Leonard missed 12 games last season due to inflammation in his right knee. Although he was selected for the Paris Olympics, he was unable to participate due to his injury.
The American team replaced him with Derrick White after his absence from summer training camp in Las Vegas.
An expected return after eight months of absence
Leonard’s prolonged absence due to injuries became a constant during his eight-year career. He missed more than 300 games, including the playoffs. Last season, he played 68 games with the Clippers before being injured against the Mavericks.
“It’s just my journey,” Leonard said this summer. “I can’t write a perfect script for me. Last year I tried to play as much as possible, I felt good, but at some point I couldn’t anymore. I did my best, but it’s just my way. I motivate a lot of people, so I have to keep moving forward. »
Last month, reports indicated that Leonard was playing five-on-five with the San Diego Clippers. Clippers coach Tyronn Lue also confirmed that the 33-year-old has made significant progress in recent weeks. “He worked hard to get to this point,” Lue said recently.
Statistics and impact
Leonard averaged 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game last season, with remarkable efficiency: 52.5% shooting and 41.7% from three-point range.
If Leonard debuts tonight, he might not start in the starting five. His playing time will be limited, given his long absence and his inactivity in the NBA for eight months.
Currently seventh in the Western Conference with a 19-15 record, the Clippers hope that Leonard’s return will boost their chances of qualifying for the playoffs.
