Kawhi Leonard walked previous the media within the Clippers locker room with a plate of meals in hand, his temper seemingly excessive. He even spoke to the media – nevertheless temporary it was.
“What’s new?” stated Leonard. “What’s up? What’s up?”
Certainly, what’s going on with Leonard and when will he make his season debut after lacking the primary 27 video games of the season with a proper knee damage?
Earlier than the Clippers win 144-107 on the Utah Jazz on the Intuit Dome Monday night time, Tyronn Lue, Clippers coach was requested concerning the group’s apply plans for Leonard and whether or not he would be part of them on their upcoming journey to Dallas and Memphis.
“Um, I’m undecided about touring proper now,” Lue stated. “That has not but been decided. So we’ll see after tonight, tomorrow, to form of have a possibility to reevaluate every little thing and transfer ahead after tomorrow. See what occurs.
Study extra: Clippers cannot maintain tempo in second half in loss to Nuggets
The Clippers, who noticed James Harden took off for 41 factors on 11 of 17 taking pictures, together with seven of 11 on three-pointers towards the Jazz, are out the subsequent two days earlier than dealing with the Mavericks on Thursday and Saturday. The Clippers end their journey towards Memphis on December 23.
Lue was requested how Leonard had progressed after the ahead participated in two non-contact coaching periods final week.
“I progressed very nicely,” Lue stated, “sure, I progressed very nicely.”
So is Leonard near returning, possibly within the subsequent three or 4 video games or just a few weeks?
“I’m undecided,” Lue stated.
Lue was then requested who would possibly know the reply, laughing earlier than saying that Lawrence Frank, president of basketball operations for the Clippers, can be the one to ask the query.
“Discuss to them,” Lue stated. “You’re attempting to get me in bother, man.”
Lue was informed that reporters didn’t wish to make false assumptions concerning the potential timeline for Leonard’s return.
“And I don’t imply unhealthy issues,” Lue stated with amusing. “So, I don’t know.”
However Lue leaves some room for optimism.
“There’s an opportunity he might journey,” Lue stated. “That hasn’t been decided but, so we’ll discover out.”
Leonard final performed within the playoffs towards the Mavericks in April.
He skilled with USA Basketball in Las Vegas in July, however was finally despatched dwelling and didn’t take part within the Paris Olympics.
Study extra: Clippers star Kawhi Leonard returns to apply in restricted function
Leonard averaged 23.7 factors per recreation final season, with 6.1 rebounds and three.5 assists. He shot 52.5% from the sphere and 41.7% from three-point vary.
In the meantime, the Clippers proceed to progress with out Leonard, who watched the sport from the bench throughout his bobblehead occasion.
Harden stated it was “nice” to have Leonard again in apply.
“I feel we’ll be extra excited to have him for a full apply,” Harden stated. “We do not actually have contact apply, however once we do, you simply apply contact after which play. So he progressively comes again to the sphere and takes his time. Each time ‘he is prepared, we’re prepared for him.’
And in a recreation the place the Clippers scored their season-high factors rating, it was Harden who persevered by turning into the ninth participant in franchise historical past to have a number of 40-plus level video games in a single season.
Harden had 24 factors within the first quarter, the second most factors scored in a single quarter in Clippers historical past. He was six of 9 from the sphere, 5 of seven from three-point vary and 7 of eight from the free throw line within the quarter.
His work helped the Clippers open an 81-47 halftime lead, probably the most factors they’ve scored in a half this season.
Harden stated he felt his recreation was excellent “from the beginning” and that is why he saved the offense going.
“I nonetheless really feel that approach,” he stated. “It’s simply if you happen to make photographs, then it’s totally different. When you do not do it, you chill out slightly. However yeah, I am simply joyful to win the match. I used to be joyful to get the blokes again within the win column.
This story was initially printed in Los Angeles Occasions.
