The Los Angeles Clippers are gearing up for an unpredictable season as they prepare to move into a brand-new arena while integrating old-school James Harden back into their lineup. Harden’s presence was already felt during the Clippers’ first preseason game, where he shot eight free throws in just 18 minutes of action.
Kawhi Leonard, the team’s cornerstone, addressed two critical concerns ahead of the season: the state of his knee and the performance of his new teammates. Leonard underwent an offseason procedure on his knee, which also kept him out of the Paris Olympics. As a result, he has been sidelined for much of training camp, focusing on strengthening his knee and preparing for the upcoming season.
Speaking during halftime of the Clippers’ preseason game in Honolulu, Leonard expressed optimism about his recovery but remained cautious about his availability for back-to-back games. “I feel good. Just been taking my time, getting stronger and getting ready,” Leonard said, according to ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk. “We’re just taking it slow, day by day, and just trying to get me back on the floor. Once those conversations come, we’ll see what they’re talking about [on the best approach for back-to-backs].”
Last season, Leonard played in 68 games, the most he had logged since 2017, earning him All-NBA honors. However, knee issues resurfaced during the playoffs, limiting him to just two games as the Clippers were eliminated in the first round by the Mavericks. The big question this season is how the Clippers can manage Leonard’s minutes to keep him healthy through the regular season and into the playoffs.
The Clippers also need strong contributions from their new additions — Derrick Jones Jr., Kris Dunn, and Kevin Porter Jr. — to fill the void left by Paul George’s departure to Philadelphia. Leonard, however, appears unconvinced about their impact so far. The challenge for the Clippers will be finding the right combination of talent to remain competitive.
Ultimately, if Leonard’s knee doesn’t hold up and he can’t play in 60+ games this season, the efforts of the newcomers may not be enough to keep the team on track for the postseason. The Clippers’ success hinges not only on their star’s health but also on how well their fresh roster adapts and performs throughout the season.