The wait is sort of over for Los Angeles Clippers followers. After a prolonged restoration from damage, Kawhi Leonard has returned to observe and is predicted to rejoin the crew quickly for his NBA season opener. As his comeback attracts nearer, each his teammates and head coach Tyronn Lue have shared their ideas on what his return will imply for the squad.
Leonard has not performed in a regular-season sport for the Clippers since earlier than the 2023–24 marketing campaign, having been sidelined by a knee damage that has taken longer to heal than anticipated. His extended absence has sparked anticipation amongst followers, teammates, and the teaching employees alike. Now, with Leonard again on the courtroom for observe this week, there’s a renewed sense of optimism throughout the crew.
After Tuesday’s observe, Lue mentioned Leonard’s return to motion, noting the enhance it supplied to the crew’s morale. “It raised our power,” Lue stated. “Simply seeing him on the ground introduced a jolt to our crew. We actually wanted that.”
Lue additionally spoke to the progress Leonard has made throughout his rehabilitation, emphasizing the influence he’s had on the crew’s total progress. “Kawhi could be very excited,” Lue added. “Each day, we’re getting higher, and he’s significantly intrigued by our defensive enhancements. It’s been nice to see him engaged and desperate to contribute.“
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – FEBRUARY 05: James Harden #1 and Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers converse throughout a timeout within the fourth quarter in opposition to the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Area on February 05, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Leonard’s teammate discusses his return to observe
Along with the joy surrounding his return, a number of teammates have spoken about Kawhi Leonard’s influence throughout observe. Considered one of them, 24-year-old Jordan Miller, shared his ideas on Leonard’s presence throughout Tuesday’s session and what he expects from the star ahead because the crew prepares for the upcoming NBA common season.
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“Simply the power he brings when he’s on the courtroom. He sort of snuck in there, too. Very Kawhi-like,” Miller stated. “It’s like having one other chief on the market. He’s been a pacesetter off the courtroom, clearly, however having him within the drills with us—it’s a special feeling.”
Miller continued: “We had been doing a capturing drill firstly of observe, and subsequent factor I do know, I’m passing it to Kawhi.” The joy round Leonard’s return is palpable, and the power from his teammates will little question mirror the thrill within the enviornment when he steps onto the courtroom for the primary time this season on the Intuit Dome.
Lue provides replace on Leonard’s availability
Whereas Leonard has been taking part in practices, there are nonetheless limitations on his contact. Lue addressed the media, confirming that “Kawhi Leonard appears good and is transferring effectively, however he is not going to play this week“. Nonetheless, there’s nonetheless hope that followers will get to see Leonard again on the ground quickly.
“There are nonetheless steps he must take earlier than returning to contact and, in the end, sport motion,” Lue stated. With that in thoughts, the Clippers are making ready for his or her matchup within the NBA common season in opposition to the Denver Nuggets on Friday. The excellent news is that James Harden participated in observe on Tuesday and is predicted to swimsuit up in opposition to Nikola Jokić and firm.
