Kawhi Leonard Joins Full-Contact Clippers Practice, Nears Return
Kawhi Leonard participated in full-contact practice, marking a significant step in his recovery from a knee injury as he inches closer to returning.
Kawhi Leonard, Clippers, Los Angeles, NBA, Injury Recovery
Los Angeles: So, Kawhi Leonard finally got back into full-contact practice with the Clippers. It’s been a long road for him since he’s been out all season with that pesky knee injury.
Coach Tyronn Lue mentioned that while it’s great to see Kawhi back on the court, there’s still no set date for when he’ll actually play in a game. He’s traveling with the team for their upcoming games, but he won’t be hitting the floor just yet.
Leonard’s going to be with the Clippers as they head to Dallas and Memphis, but Lue made it clear he’s just there to practice and do some rehab work. They want to make sure everything is perfect before he jumps back into games.
It’s been a while since he’s traveled with the team, the last time being for training camp in Hawaii. Lue is optimistic, saying they’re just taking it one step at a time and checking all the boxes to ensure Kawhi is ready.
Leonard has been ramping up his practice intensity lately, and Lue noted that seeing him do five-on-five drills with contact was a big deal. It shows he’s making progress, and everyone’s excited to see him back.
But they’re being smart about it. Lue emphasized that they don’t want to rush things and risk a setback. They’re taking it slow, making sure Kawhi feels good before he’s back in action.
It’s a waiting game for now, but fans are hopeful that Leonard will be back on the court soon, bringing his skills to the Clippers once again.