Reports: Kawhi Leonard frustrated and not where he wants to be in terms of games played this season
Two-time champion Kawhi Leonard has continued to deal with lingering problems caused by a partial ACL tear in 2021. It's been a frustrating string of setbacks for the LA native as he attempts to make his return from a lengthy layoff. With things continuing to drag on, Leonard is beginning to grow frustrated, and understandably so.
After being selected as an All-Star during his first two seasons with the Clippers, Leonard hoped to keep the momentum going. In the midst of a playoff run, during his second year, Leonard suffered a partial ACL tear. The injury brought an end to the team's postseason run and sidelined Leonard the following season.
Going into this season, the hope was that Leonard would begin to find his rhythm through the opening stretch. It was no secret that Leonard wasn't going to play the second game of back to backs. However, he has continued to deal with lingering knee problems.
A report that emerged this week from Law Murray of The Athletic indicated that Leonard is beginning to grow frustrated. The report echoed statements made by coach Tyronn Lue, who expressed Leonard's frustration prior to the team's win over the Houston Rockets on Monday:
"He's frustrated. He wants to be out on the floor, and then not be on the floor, then now he can't travel, want's to travel but obviously it's not the right thing to do right now. ...
"Just frustrated, putting in all the work the last 15 months to get to this point and not being where he wants to be right now physically, but he's getting better."
Kawhi Leonard and the LA Clippers, overrated or underrated?
The LA Clippers have proven themselves to be one of the NBA's biggest what-ifs this season. During the offseason, the team was projected to be one of the best in the Western Conference. With both Nic Batum and Robert Covington re-signed and the addition of John Wall, things were looking up in LA.
Since then, the team has continued to struggle to find a rhythm. Much of the burden has fallen to Paul George on nights when Kawhi Leonard and Wall are sidelined. So far this season, the seven-time NBA All-Star has averaged 21.7 points to go along with seven rebounds, 4.7 assists and 2.2 steals.
Although his play has been impressive, he will need Kawhi Leonard at full strength if the team wants to make a run in the West. As it stands right now, the Clippers have one of the worst records in the Western Conference.
On Wednesday night, the team will face the Houston Rockets once again, where both Leonard and Wall are expected to play. With that being said, both men are on a minutes restriction that isn't ending anytime soon. With the season officially underway, only time will tell whether both Kawhi Leonard and Wall will be able to make full returns.
The way things look right now, the team's season will depend on it.