The LA Clippers enter the offseason with renewed optimism, thanks largely to the health of star player Kawhi Leonard. This marks the first time since 2020 that Leonard enters a season completely healthy. Despite a tumultuous year that saw the Clippers exit the playoffs in the first round for the third consecutive time, management believes that Leonard’s return to form could significantly enhance the team’s performance.
Leonard’s season was marked by challenges. He only played 37 games until the Clippers lost in Game 7 to the Phoenix Suns. With a strong 50-32 record, the team managed to lock down the fifth seed in the loaded Western Conference. Their strong playoff run came to an unexpected stop, leaving players and coaching staff stunned.
Despite his limited appearances this season, Leonard was putting up an average of 22.8 PPG, 8.7 APG and 5.8 RPG. In doing so, he recorded a team-high average of 35 minutes on the court, further exemplifying his importance to the team’s structure. He didn’t play at all until January. That was pushed back because of recurring arthritic problems with his surgically repaired right knee.
So even with all his struggles, Leonard being on the court for the Clippers has been incredibly important. Lawrence Frank, the team’s president of basketball operations, emphasized Leonard’s potential impact on next year’s games, stating, “I think looking at next year that we can be better with more games from Kawhi.”
Of course, the Clippers have James Harden on their roster, who has two years remaining on his current deal. Frank expressed appreciation for Harden’s contributions during the season, saying, “We have a great level of appreciation for what James did this year.”
Leonard now enters the offseason healthy and fully loaded, poised to have his biggest impact yet. With no options on his contract, the team’s banking on him to elevate them to new heights. The Clippers want to get past their playoff failures and the success they had during the regular season.
Frank acknowledged the disappointment felt by the players following their early playoff exit, noting, “Our players are embarrassed about Game 7 and they’re really, really upset that we lost the series.” For the champion team, the immediate focus is on regrouping and redoubling efforts to prepare for a more competitive campaign next year.
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