LA Clippers’ head coach Doc Rivers thinks that the NBA’s decision to suspend the season due to coronavirus pandemic might be a blessing in disguise for some of his players. According to Rivers, this break will allow Clippers’ star forward Kawhi Leonard to return in “phenomenal shape” when the season resumes.
Leonard missed a significant number of Clippers’ games in 2019/20 due to various health issues and tiredness. But Rivers thinks that those problems are now behind the 28-year-old All-Star thanks to the break he got.
“I know Kawhi’s overworking. I can guarantee you that,” said Rivers talking with reporters on a video call. “And the difference is, during the summer, Kawhi couldn’t work, you know, so now he’s got this break, and he’s able to train. The Kawhi we’ll see will be in phenomenal shape.”
Despite the issues he had this season, Leonard managed to maintain high production and lead the Clippers to the second seed in the West. He averaged 26.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 1.8 steals per game before the season got suspended.
Leonard will not be the only Clippers’ star that will return in great condition, according to Rivers.
“PG [Paul George] is another guy that’s gonna be in phenomenal shape,” he added.
Paul George missed a number of games this season as well, after undergoing a shoulder injury in the offseason. In 42 games he was on the court, George averaged 21.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.3 steals.
