Clippers’ Want to Be “Smart” with Kawhi Leonard Once the NBA Restarts

Kawhi Leonard at New York Fashion Week in 2016
Kawhi Leonard at New York Fashion Week in 2016. Photo by Madison/BFA/REX/Shutterstock (5896416w)

Los Angeles Clippers’ superstar Kawhi Leonard joined the rest of the team in Orlando late last week, and it appears the health issues that troubled him earlier in the season are now of the past. However, that doesn’t mean Clippers won’t keep being cautious.

Speaking with reporters on Monday, Clippers’ head coach Doc Rivers said that Leonard has no limitations at the moment but the team wants to be “smart” about his workload.

“No limits. Kawhi is healthy for the most part,” said Rivers when asked about Leonard. “That still doesn’t mean that we don’t want to maintain him and get him through the first eight games and get ready for the playoffs. We want to be smart about this.”

Leonard nursed a knee issue during the better part of the 2019/20 season, which caused him to miss the training camp and sit out back to backs. But the 29-year-old seems to be fine now, as he used the break caused by coronavirus pandemic to rehab.

“I mean, I feel good,” said Leonard upon his arrival to Orlando. “You know, was able to work out, get strong and prepare for this moment now that we’re in. It’s about to be the first practice today, so I’m excited.”

Kawhi Leonard signed a three-year, $103 million contract with the Clippers in the offseason, teaming up with fellow All-Star Paul George in Los Angeles. Leonard immediately emerged as the team’s best player, averaging 26.9 points in 51 games this season. He also had 7.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 1.8 steals to show for.

Clippers currently find themselves as No.2 seed in the West with 44-20 record and 5.5 games behind the first-seeded Los Angeles Lakers. They are currently set to play against Dallas Mavericks in the first round of playoffs.

Ben loves sports so much but prefers watching other people do it. He prefers not to share what teams he's supporting but he is willing to admit that Lebron James is, in fact, the king.