Ty Lue provides update on Kawhi Leonard’s injury, says the Clippers need to be “smart” about the situation: “ We're going to follow the lead of our medical staff… But he’s progressing”
LA Clippers coach Ty Lue has given a positive update regarding Kawhi Leonard's knee injury. Leonard returned to the court after a season-long absence following an ACL surgery. He seemed to have recovered well.
However, Leonard experienced stiffness in his surgically repaired knee, which has sidelined him for the last seven consecutive games. Leonard's probable date of return remains unclear at this point. The Clippers have been cautious thus far.
Coach Ty Lue said in his recent press conference that the team's medical staff is leading the way regarding Leonard's return. He also said they need to be "smart" about the situation.
"He’s progressing well. We knew coming off an ACL, it wasn’t going to be a straight line," said Lue (via Tomer Azarly). "The biggest thing is he’s progressing well. We're going to follow the lead of our medical staff, we got to be smart about the situation, but he’s progressing."
Kawhi Leonard has been injury prone. A return from an ACL injury was always going to see him take time to regain full fitness. The Clippers have been inconsistent in his absence, registering a 4-4 record.
The Clippers are also struggling to find chemistry as part of their early-season issues. But with Ty Lue at the helm and a well-rounded roster, the Clippers' shaky start doesn't seem alarming just yet.
Also read: “He is a two-time champion… This brother is also a champion at missing games” - Stephen A. Smith lambasts Kawhi Leonard for continuing to miss games
LA Clippers may need Kawhi Leonard back sooner than later
The LA Clippers entered the season with great expectations. However, they may need Kawhi Leonard to be available frequently to make those expectations come to fruition. The Clippers have a deep roster, but Leonard's availability makes a significant difference.
Since acquiring him, the two-time NBA champion, the Clippers have a 78-33 record when he plays and a 65-59 record when he doesn't. A top-four finish would be ideal for the Clippers to have a decent shot at making a deep playoff push.
Meanwhile, having Leonard back soon will allow him to rediscover his rhythm. He needs to redevelop chemistry with his teammates after missing an entire season. The Clippers may find themselves vying to stay in contention for a top-six seed instead of a top-four seed due to Leonard's continued absence.
This is arguably the best roster they have assembled in franchise history, and not being able to achieve success at a high level will be a disappointing outcome. Kawhi Leonard is crucial to their hopes of getting a higher seeding and a potential championship win, so the LA Clippers may need him to come back soon and play frequently.
Also read: "Every single thing in the Clippers organization hinges on Kawhi Leonard" - Former NBA champion highlights major concern with LA Clippers