Whereas the Los Angeles Clippers had been with out their famous person ahead for the primary 25 video games of the yr, they discovered a method to keep above water within the Western Convention.
All the time, Clippers might think about buying and selling 2019-20 All-Star MVP though he was in good type at first of the yr.
“When it was introduced that the LA Clippers had been going to begin this season with out Kawhi Leonard, it was straightforward to imagine that this was going to be one other misplaced yr for the franchise,” Michael Saenz of Sir Charles in Cost wrote on Sunday.
“Nonetheless, no less than within the first quarter of the season, the Clippers had been one of many largest surprises within the Western Convention.”
“Via 25 video games, the Clippers are only a few video games behind the No. 2 seed and are nonetheless inside earshot of the No. 1 seed.”
“As Kawhi (Leonard) begins to inch nearer to a return, which might come as quickly as the following few weeks, I can not assist however surprise what this group may appear like when totally wholesome.”
“Due to that, I don’t suppose the Clippers ought to rush to commerce Kawhi. In reality, I believe it might be an impulsive and pointless transfer for the group to attempt to commerce Kawhi as quickly as he’s wholesome once more.
“As unusual because it sounds, it might most likely be in the perfect curiosity of the group to see how good they are often as a complete. Buying and selling Kawhi on the deadline would forestall the group from exploring that possibility.
Availability has been Leonard’s kryptonite since becoming a member of Los Angeles in 2019.
The 2-time NBA champion is without doubt one of the league’s greatest two-way threats when he is able to go, however his damage historical past signifies he is struggled to keep away from season-altering accidents as a member of the Clippers.
Assuming Leonard’s proper knee heals quickly, it might be silly to commerce a participant who might immediately elevate Tyronn Lue’s group when he lastly returns to motion.
If Los Angeles seems to be stable now, what might they accomplish with a wholesome Leonard within the lineup?
The reply is not clear in the mean time, however there is a good probability the Clippers will attempt to discover out by retaining the six-time All-Star long-term.
Extra NBA: Warriors anticipated to commerce ineffective guard for fragile $149.5 million Clippers star
