The controversy surrounding the alleged salary cap breach by the Clippers ensured Kawhi Leonard remained one of the most talked-about players in the NBA offseason. But with the 2025-26 season just around the corner, focus has shifted to the typical Leonard question: How available will he be through the season?
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As it turns out, it’s a discussion that even the Los Angeles Clippers organization wants to avoid. At least for now, that is. Leonard is fit and ready to start the season afresh after being riddled with injury problems in previous seasons.
Many of those injuries had forced him to sit out long stretches, including the majority of the playoffs in some cases. However, fit as Leonard may be, when it comes to back-to-back games, things are still dicey.
Head Coach Ty Lue was asked about Leonard’s status when it comes to back-to-back games earlier this week. “We’re not going to answer that right now… It’s a good question, but we don’t know right now,” he replied.
Back-to-back games are grueling. And teams need to plan carefully to make sure fatigue doesn’t set in amongst their players, especially their stars, who typically take the load in each outing. With Leonard in particular being a fragile piece of their treasure, the Clippers don’t want to risk him too much.
That’s why, in the last season, Leonard played just one back-to-back. He sat out on 16 other occasions. That said, the 34-year-old has looked better and better since returning from his knee injury, which kept him out for the first 34 games of last season.
Leonard played a key role in guiding the Clippers to the playoffs and even took the Denver Nuggets to seven games before ultimately bowing out. This has fuelled optimism that the forward can return to his very best this season, with the hope being that he could give the Clippers a chance at a championship run.
Leonard himself feels great, salary cap breaching allegations aside. So far in the pre-season, he’s scored 35 points in 37 minutes. “Now I’m able to come in training camp healthy, in shape, and ready to go,” said the two-time NBA champion.
That’s great news for those backing the Clippers, and bad news for the rivals. It’s not just Leonard who should have them worried, though.
Overall, the Clippers have a strong, albeit aging, squad this season. James Harden, Chris Paul, Bradley Beal, and others provide a solid supporting cast as they bid to become the undisputed best team in Los Angeles and the NBA.
