Kawhi Leonard is gradually returning to the court after missing the first 34 games of the season due to knee inflammation. The Clippers are managing his minutes carefully, allowing him to build up his conditioning and regain his elite form.
Clippers star Kawhi Leonard handles the ball as Miami Heat guard Jaime Jaquez Jr. defends during the first half on Monday night at the Intuit Dome. Leonard remains on a minutes restriction as he works his way back following a delayed start to his season. INGELWOOD — The reclamation of Kawhi Leonard continues at a slow, deliberate pace. And that’s fine for everyone involved, especially the Clippers superstar.
So far, Leonard has been handcuffed to playing roughly 20 minutes per game over three contests. Call it load management. Or a player going through a delayed preseason entry into the season. Last year, Leonard went from zero to 68 games, playing some of his best basketball in years. He had jumped back into action at the start of the 2023-24 season with both feet, but like previous seasons, it ended with him on the bench after experiencing inflammation in his twice-surgically repaired right knee during the Clippers’ first-round playoff loss to the Dallas Mavericks., which led to him having a procedure on his right knee.
“I’m trying to do my job to help the team win,” said Leonard, who has totaled 26 points and 10 rebounds in 61 minutes in his three games. “That’s all I do. And yeah, I feel good. As long as I’m feeling good on the court, I’m able to move quickly, get to my spots. That’s all I’m looking for .”
KAWHI LEONARD NBA LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS REHABILITATION MINUTES RESTRICTION
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