LA Clipper megastar, Kawhi Leonard will resume NBA action earlier than expected as per reports
Los Angeles Clippers are barely hanging onto the playoff race this season. They have a 19-20 record and rank 8th in the West. Paul George‘s performances carried the team in some tough matches, but he is sidelined till 15th January with his elbow issue.
In this torrid situation, Clippers coach Tyronn Lue would certainly be happy to have some positive news around the team. During the Clippers’ game against the Suns, Yahoo sports reporter Chris Haynes gave an encouraging update about Kawhi Leonard. “League sources have informed me that Kawhi Leonard is actually ahead of schedule in his rehab and that a return this season is a strong possibility.”
Kawhi Leonard suffered a right knee injury in Game 4 of the 2021 Western Conference semifinals. Since then he has missed the entire season to date. The Clippers confirmed that Leonard had successful surgery to repair the partially torn ACL. But they also mentioned that there is “no timetable for his return.”
Chris Haynes further said, “Speaking with multiple Clippers players, they say he won’t be concerned with their playoff slotting believing that if fully healthy, they’ll be favorites over most in the West.”
Haynes reported, “Leonard has amped up his workload in recent weeks and is looking stronger and stronger.” This would be an encouraging sign for the team, but they still have a lot of work to do to make use of healthy and “well-rested” Leonard in the postseason.
Kawhi Leonard’s impact on the Clippers.
There is no question about the potential of Kawhi Leonard. He is 2 times NBA Champion and Finals MVP. His return with the Clippers lineup could be an additional threat for the opponents, considering Paul George remains fit to play with Leonard.
Though the Leonard-Paul pair couldn’t deliver NBA Championship to the Clippers in the last term, they certainly have massive chances to reach at least the conference finals. With two-way player Leonard in the mix, the Clippers will have better rotation and can even outperform stronger teams.
Interesting stats about the Clippers is that they thrive if both their superstars are playing in the game. They have a 72-32 record with both of them on the team, while an 11-14 record with neither Paul nor Leonard playing.
Nevertheless, the news of Leonard’s return should give a huge boost to the Clipper nation.
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