According to ESPN, Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard has not played in any games so far this season due to right knee inflammation. However, head coach Ty Lue stated that Leonard returned to team practice on Wednesday. Sources have indicated that, barring any setbacks, Leonard is expected to make his return to the court within the next two weeks.
This marks the first time the 33-year-old Leonard has practiced with the team since last season. Due to his knee issues, Leonard also had to withdraw from the Paris Olympics this past summer.
“He participated in offensive drills and defensive practices, but didn’t engage in contact work,” Ty Lue revealed. “But he did almost everything else.”
After practice, Leonard was seen standing by the basketball hoop while James Harden and Kris Dunn engaged in extra shooting drills. Leonard did not speak to the media. Lue mentioned that Leonard looked “good” and added that his return was a morale boost for the team. The Clippers have lost three of their last five games, and on Wednesday, the team announced that Terance Mann would be re-evaluated in two weeks due to a right hamstring strain.
“It’s really a good sign to see him moving on the court and looking great,” Ty Lue said. “I think the most important thing for him is confidence. As long as he has the confidence to do it and doesn’t feel pain, he’ll keep making progress.”
Lue emphasized that the team would continue to be patient with Leonard as he gradually recovers until he’s ready to return to the court.
“He still has a lot of work to do to fully recover. We just want to make sure he’s 100% healthy. We don’t want him to come back at 70% or 75%. We have to be patient and make sure everything is in place… We’re not going to rush him, and we want to help Leonard make the right decision.”
Leave a Reply