Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard has only played five games since recovering from an offseason knee procedure. If painting his 2024-25 campaign in broad strokes, it’s fair to say that it’s been disappointing. Though a two-time NBA champion, two-time NBA Finals MVP, and two-time Defensive Player of the Year, he’s arguably missed too many games to be counted on. To that point, Leonard has only played in 60 or more games in two of his last eight seasons.
As he played 68 games in 2023-24, his highest total since 2016-17, there’s hope that his body isn’t ready to break down just yet. Nonetheless, his lengthy injury history has led to the 33-year-old approaching his recovery process differently this time around. Indeed, the key word for the Clippers keystone is time.
Slow & Steady Approach Paying Off For Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard
“I’m taking my time,” Leonard says, in response to whether he’s hoping to rush through the remaining portion of his rehabilitation (h/t the Associated Press). “I done that in the past and it led me on the bench, so I’m good where I’m at.”
“I feel good and as long as I’m feeling good on the court, I’m able to move quickly, get to my spots,” he adds. “That’s all I’m looking for.”
If that’s the case, he has to love what he’s seen and how he’s felt over the past two games. Though on a playing time restriction, he averaged 21.0 points in 24.0 minutes per game. On top of his whirlwind production, he was incredibly efficient, converting 70.8 percent of his field goal attempts. In their Sunday night victory against the Los Angeles Lakers, he looked as good as ever, his movements extremely crisp.
KAWHI LEONARD WITH THE NASTY PERIMETER MOVE!
He drills the middy from the short corner 😤 pic.twitter.com/m9aPYlIEsR
— NBA (@NBA) January 20, 2025
Getting to his spots, the six-time All-Star was able to consistently create advantages for himself in his teammates.
“I’m happy with the progress,” Leonard would tell reporters after the game (h/t Los Angeles Times reporter Broderick Turner). “For me, it’s just about how I’m feeling and I’m coming out of the games feeling great. But I still got work to do and we’re going to keep taking each step.”
Symbiosis
To be sure, Leonard isn’t at 100 percent.
He’s yet to finish above the rim despite averaging 58.2 dunks per season from 2018-19 to 2023-24. Perhaps in an effort to reduce the strain on his knees, he hasn’t guarded his opponent’s top offensive players as frequently as he used to. Still, basketball is a team effort, as the Clippers have demonstrated throughout the season. So, while he continues to get his legs under him, he’s able to lean not just on his brothers on the court but the coaching staff.
Thus far, that symbiotic relationship –and slow and steady approach –has paid dividends. Los Angeles is now 4-1 in the games that Leonard’s played this season, their only defeat coming at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves, who beat them by two points. With just three months until the NBA Playoffs begin, the fifth-place Clippers have to be pleased with the results.
