Reports: Kawhi Leonard is listed as questionable to return against Detroit Pistons
Seeing Kawhi Leonard back on the floor could be a possiblitiy on Thursday night as the LA Clippers take on the Detroit Pistons. After missing Leonard for 12 straight games, the Clippers are hopeful of his return.
Leonard's return this season after missing all of last season with an ACL injury was highly anticipated by the Clippers. He was on a minutes restriction, playing just 21 in two of the team's first three games.
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski gave an update on the five-time All-Star's status ahead of the Clippers' matchup against the Pistons.
"The Clippers upgraded him to 'questionable' this morning, which is typically the progession you see on a game day for a player who's been out for a significant period like Leonard. He hasn't played since October 23rd, he's only played two games this year for the Clippers," Wojnarowski said.
"Now, he's on the brink of his return for a team that's 8-7 without him, still just two-and-a-half games out in the West. For a Clipper team to get Kawhi Leonard back, to get their core group on the floor and be able to start building some continuity as they head toward the postseason."
The Clippers lost 103-101 to the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday, when Luka Doncic torched them for 35 points, including a wild, game-winning 3-pointer in the closing seconds.
Luckily for Los Angeles (8-7), the Clippers haven't fallen deep in the Western Conference standings. They're above .500, but not secure enough to be a major threat. Los Angeles, ninth in the West, had won six of eight games before Tuesday's loss.
This season, Paul George has done all the heavy lifting, averaging 24.4 points, 6.1 rebounds and 4.6 assists. If Leonard can return on Thursday night, the seven-time All-Star may have a bit of a breather.
Also read: LA Clippers need Kawhi Leonard healthy to challenge for the championship
The availability of Kawhi Leonard could be the star's biggest flaw
NBA stars have their strengths and weaknesses. Some players' flaws are not being able to shoot the ball or not being an above-average defender. For Kawhi Leonard, his flaws aren't his lack of skills on the court. Rather, it's his inability to be available for his team.
This problem dates back to his early days as a member of the San Antonio Spurs. After suffering a quad injury, Leonard was never the same. He took an extremely long time to get back on the court, but he ultimately demanded a trade out of San Antonio.
The Clippers are experiencing that same situation right now. Only this time, Leonard isn't looking to leave the team as he's close to his hometown. But this has hindered the organization from having a deep playoff run with their two stars. The farthest they've reached is a conference finals exit against the Phoenix Suns.
The organization and Leonard's teammates are all expecting the two-time Defensive Player of the Year to be healthy again. With him in the lineup, the Clippers aren't worried about much else.
Also read: “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