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In a Q&A with Law Murray (Clippers beat writer) in the Athletic recently, reiterated that Kawhi is basically fully practicing now, and is expected to suit up from day one (which could include preseason and training camp). This is a topic because I’ve seen many posters mention that he will miss the beginning of this season probably.

https://www.si.com/nba/clippers/news/report-kawhi-leonard-expected-to-play-in-season-opener

He’s already been playing pickup with the guys, participating in recent practices. The last time we saw him play, he did this.



What version of Kawhi are you expecting this season?

Wall_To_Clips wrote:What version of Kawhi are you expecting this season?

Hopefully the one who doesn't get injured.

I feel like I havent seen him play in years.

Thank the Basketball Gods he did not play in the last playoffs. Looks like he is feeling 100% now, so happy he was not rushed back.

He is likely to be feeling great and hungry to compete. Looks like George is feeling the same way too.

Kawhi my dude.

given the article was from two weeks ago and not oft-mentioned, you could say that news surrounding his return has been fairly

kawhi-et

what an honor, man of the people

Will probably play 40 games and miss the playoffs again

How lucky were the Raptors to get the 1 last good season of Kawhi? It's amazing how poorly his body has held up since he left Toronto.

kawhi expected to play in the season opener. then rest every other game.

Who?

Then will be off for 2 weeks, rinse repeat lol

Bornstellar wrote:Will probably play 40 games and miss the playoffs again

Clippers do not need Kawhi to make playoffs, just Paul George for about 50-60 games. They need him to win playoffs series to get to the finals. Ingles bumping him on a drive and Kawhi landing awkward on is why he missed the Conference finals in 2021 and the 2022 season.

More keen to see him play in the final game of the season

nickhx2 wrote:given the article was from two weeks ago and not oft-mentioned, you could say that news surrounding his return has been fairly

kawhi-et

I hate myself for laughing at this.

PeteyPablo wrote:

Bornstellar wrote:Will probably play 40 games and miss the playoffs again

Clippers do not need Kawhi to make playoffs, just Paul George for about 50-60 games. They need him to win playoffs series to get to the finals. Ingles bumping him on a drive and Kawhi landing awkward on is why he missed the Conference finals in 2021 and the 2022 season.

In theory this is true (though the last time George played 60 games Lonzo Ball was a Laker) but in practice you also need to be a high seed and build chemistry throughout the season to realistically contend.

TacoLord wrote:How lucky were the Raptors to get the 1 last good season of Kawhi? It's amazing how poorly his body has held up since he left Toronto.

There is a video here of him dunking from outside of the restricted line on the Jazz player. He was abusing the Jazz in that series.

He averaged 30.4 points , 7.7 rebounds , 4.4 assists with 57.3 FG% , 39.3 3P% and 88 FT% in the 2021 playoffs before getting taken out.

MindState wrote:I feel like I havent seen him play in years.

He's like Haley's comet, doesn't appear often but you don't want to miss when he does.

PhilBlackson wrote:Then will be off for 2 weeks, rinse repeat lol

I mean.. when you have Covington, Mann, Powell, Batum, Boston Jr, Coffey who are all capable of starting at SF, Kawhi load managing is perfectly good. He’s 100% going to load manage this year. So is PG most likely.

I'm glad to hear that Kawhi will play in at least one game this year.