Kawhi Leonard, the star forward for the Los Angeles Clippers, is poised to make his return to the court on January 4, 2025, after missing the first 31 games of the NBA season due to issues concerning his right knee. Leonard’s comeback is highly anticipated and could be exactly the boost the Clippers need as they strive for playoff positioning.
According to Law Murray of The Athletic, Leonard has targeted the matchup against the Atlanta Hawks for his season debut. This game will take place at the Intuit Dome, and it will be particularly exciting for Clippers fans since it is their first home game after a three-game road trip. Leonard, who has been nursing knee inflammation, has not played since April 2024, when he featured against the Dallas Mavericks.
The Clippers currently hold a competitive 17-13 record, landing them as the seventh seed in the Western Conference. The team has managed to stay afloat without Leonard’s significant contributions, which highlights their resilience amid his absence. Veteran players like James Harden and Norman Powell have continued to lead the team, but the potential addition of Leonard promises to bring another layer of skill and experience to their roster.
Leonard’s injury saga has been tumultuous. The two-time NBA champion withdrew from the U.S. Olympic team due to his knee troubles, exacerbated by missing major portions of the previous seasons. After undergoing surgery last offseason, he resumed basketball activities, practicing on December 10. From there, he immediately participated in limited drills, moving to full 5-on-5 scrimmages shortly thereafter.
Reflecting on his recovery, Leonard shared, “There’s been good days. There’s been bad days. But I keep coming back.” This statement was part of a social media video he posted to hint at his return, and it has excited fans and analysts alike.
The Clippers have been cautious with Leonard's rehabilitation process, emphasizing the need for him to be 100% healthy when he steps back onto the court. This conservative approach involves considering factors like the number of practices and scrimmages he partakes in before being cleared to play. Lawrence Frank, the Clippers' president of basketball operations, previously stated, “When Kawhi is healthy, he wants to play,” underscoring Leonard's own commitment to returning to form.
During the previous season, when healthy, Leonard showcased his extraordinary skills, averaging 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.6 steals per game, which earned him All-NBA Second Team honors. Such performance is why his return to the lineup is being eagerly awaited; he has consistently played at an All-Star level when fit.
Clippers guard Jordan Miller remarked on Leonard’s condition, saying, “I don’t think he’s lost a step at all.” This reinforces the belief from within the team’s organization and fanbase alike: Leonard, the former Defensive Player of the Year, retains his elite capabilities.
When Leonard returns to action, it will mark the first time he has played since the Clippers' first-round playoff matchup against the Mavericks, during which he exited due to right knee inflammation. His performance will not only reveal his physical state but will also set the tone for the Clippers as they navigate through the season.
With Leonard’s expected presence on January 4, the matchup against the Hawks could be pivotal not just for him personally, but for the Clippers’ overall season as they look to establish momentum heading toward the playoffs. If all goes as planned, Leonard's return will come as both a relief and as motivation for the Clippers to maintain their competitive edge within the tight standings of the Western Conference.
While the Clippers have made do without Leonard this season, his return is positioned as perhaps the most significant narrative as they aim for postseason success. With the playoffs on the horizon, all eyes will be on Leonard and his ability to positively influence his team's performance from the get-go.
