There’s still no timeline available for Kawhi Leonard’s season debut. The 33-year-old was rumored to be back on the floor before Christmas but it seems like there’s going to be more delays. However, Kawhi has made massive progress over the last few weeks. While talking to reporters, Clippers rookie Jordan Miller declared that Kawhi looks very much like Kawhi in practice.
Advertisement
The 24-year-old revealed that he is amazed every time he sees the Klaw on the floor because despite being out for months, he has not lost his touch.
Miller said, “His ability to shoot the midrange whether you’re there or not. It doesn’t even bother him. And just his presence, you gotta respect his game.”
The rookie also stated that the progress shown by Kawhi is going to be really beneficial for the team. He added, “I think Kawhi has always been a great player, I don’t think he’s lost a step at all…Kawhi is Kawhi, that’s the best way I can put it.”
Jordan Miller on Kawhi Leonard in practice:
“Oh yeah, that’s Kawhi Leonard. His ability to shoot the midrange whether you’re there or not. It doesn’t even bother him… I don’t think he’s lost a step at all. Kawhi is Kawhi.” pic.twitter.com/A6br5ridNw
— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) December 27, 2024
Kawhi is recovering from a right knee injury which was first detected when he was with the Team USA camp for the Paris Olympics. The two-time NBA Champion had to leave the camp because of it and was later declared to be out indefinitely from the beginning of the season.
Kawhi won’t be playing in the game against the Warriors and won’t join the team for the three-game road trip starting with New Orleans. The good news is that the forward has started doing five-on-five practice. Coach Tyronn Lue said, “He has to play some more five-on-five. So, we got to get all the days we got to get him in, keep stacking the days, and see how he fares after that.”
Ty Lue says Kawhi Leonard had another successful five on five practice today but will not play tomorrow.
He needs more five on five before returning.
— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) December 26, 2024
When the team goes away for three games, he will practice with the San Diego Clippers, the Clippers’ G League team. Coach Lue believes this will allow Kawhi to get the “right amount of reps,” and bring him closer to a comeback. So far, he is pleased with the progress his player has made and he is still being monitored closely.
Coach Lue said, “Making sure he’s doing everything so this doesn’t occur again so we can kind of monitor the fluid and see how it’s working. So far, it’s been really good and we just want to continue to keep progressing.” Without Kawhi, the Clippers have performed well so far in this season. They are the seventh-ranked team in the Western Conference with a 17-13 record.
