“Kawhi sat out all of last year hoping to come back his old self this year” – Former NBA champion discusses importance of Kawhi Leonard for Clippers
Kawhi Leonard’s return has not gone thr way many expected it to. Former NBA champion Matt Barnes recently spoke about the ill-luck plaguing the LA Clippers, highlighting Leonard's importance to the team.
The two-time NBA champ missed the entirety of last season due to a knee injury he sustained during the 2021 Western Conference semifinals. His return to the court was one of the most anticipated events coming into the season, but things have not gone according to plan.
In a recent interview, Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue spoke about Leonard feeling better. He highlighted that the forward played a 5-on-5 and is making progress in his recovery.
On "NBA Today," Barnes was asked if he was encouraged by the report on Leonard's progress. He said:
"No, because he hasn't been back on the court yet. This is the season that the fans have been waiting for, and really the league in general.
"Kawhi sat out all of last year, hoping to come back his old self this year, and he's really been in and out. Of late, he's been out a lot. So, I just think this team wants to see if there can be a consistent run or how they're gonna utilize him this year."
He added:
"You can move role players and even star players kinda in and out and catch your rhythm. But when you have a superstar that's kind of in and out, when the superstar is out guys know the other roles step up. When he's in, you kind of have to find what that chemistry and energy with that superstar is going to be like."
The Clippers found a way to play without Leonard last year. Sadly, it did not end well for them as they missed the playoffs after losing two play-in games.
Kawhi Leonard has missed the Clippers' last nine games
Leonard played in the Clippers' first game of the season against the LA Lakers. He came off the bench, which many believed was a great way to incorporate him into things slowly.
Although he was not at his best, he showed flashes of his former self. Adhering to the idea of minute restriction, Lue opted to rest Leonard against the Sacramento Kings, which was the first game of a back-to-back.
Leonard was back against the Phoenix Suns and played 20 minutes off the bench. However, he has since been on the sidelines, and has missed their last nine games.
Although there were no reports of Leonard reaggravating his injury, Lue consistently announced that Leonard would be unavailable. Eventually, it was reported that he will be sidelined indefinitely, with no timetable for his return.
The Clippers have held their own with Leonard thus far. They are ranked 6th in the West after winning seven of their first 12 games.
However, many believe that they will only be championship contenders if the two-way forward is 100% fit. Paul George also realizes that the window for the Clippers to win a championship is closing.
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