Kawhi Leonard could be nearing a return for the Los Angeles Clippers.
It has been an arduous process for the star to get ready for game action while rehabbing a knee injury, but there’s a light at the end of the tunnel for Kawhi Leonard’s return timeline. Leonard, who has yet to step on the floor this season, turned in a partial practice Tuesday. The possibility of Leonard being back in the lineup is becoming a distinct reality.
Not to put the cart before the horse, but Leonard won’t be back in time for Los Angeles’ next game Friday against the Nuggets. However, the team has three games next week and if Leonard can ramp up his practice activity, a return will become imminent.
Leonard’s impact
Leonard played in 68 games last season for the Clippers – his most since 2017 while with the Spurs – and was a force for the eventual No. 4 seed. Unsurprisingly, Leonard was a huge factor by virtue of being on the floor for so much of the season. He averaged 23.7 points on 52.5% shooting while also grabbing 6.1 rebounds per game and dishing out 3.6 assists per game.
Looking at Leonard’s advanced metrics only serves to underline his box score production. Leonard ranked 10th in Player Efficiency Rating (23.2) and 16th in Win Shares (8.9).
Even if it takes Leonard a bit to get back up to last year’s form, his presence will change the complexion of the Clippers’ season.
Clippers’ outlook with Leonard
It’s no secret that Leonard will provide a significant boost to the Clippers, but it’s important to consider the exact reasons why.
As it stands in mid-December, the Clippers are 14-11, which is good enough for a half-game lead over the Nuggets for the No. 6 seed in the West. Holding down that spot is important, lest the team have to roll the dice in the Play-In Tournament at the end of the regular season to determine its playoff seed.
The Clippers could use some more punch on the offensive end and the hope is that Leonard can deliver. They currently rank 24th in offensive rating (110.4) and 18th in 3-pointers made. Leonard is the type of player that can instantly turn those categories around. It’s worth noting that the Clippers ranked fourth in offensive rating last season and while the loss of Paul George is also a contributing factor, Leonard’s absence is certainly felt in that regard.
Beyond getting the offense in gear, Leonard can help turn what has been a good Clippers defense into an elite one. The Clippers rank seventh in defensive rating (109.3) without Leonard, but his length, tenacity and savvy on that end of the floor could make them a true lockdown defense.
Getting a star player of Leonard’s caliber back in the fold is always going to be a boon for a team. However, in digging into the numbers, fans can see that the Clippers may be looking at an immediate bump on offense in addition to becoming one of the best defensive teams in the league.
The Clippers have managed to not just survive, but thrive in Leonard’s absence and his return could bring the kind of jolt that transforms them into a true Western Conference contender.
