Los Angeles ClippersKawhi Leonard, star forward, is slowly making his way back to the hardwood after missing several games due to “injury control” for his surgically repaired knee.
Tyronn Lue, Leonard’s head coach, cautioned that there were risks. Five-time NBA All-StarThere are still “ways to go”.
Lue said Friday that Leonard would not be returning to work tomorrow when he was asked by reporters if he was on the verge of making a comeback. “It’s gonna take a few more opportunities to get that in and then kinda reassess and see how he’s feeling after we go to medical, and just kinda see if we check all the boxes.”
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON FOXNEWS.COM SPORTS COVERAGE
Anfernee Simons #1 plays defense against Kawhi Lennon #2 of the Los Angeles Clippers in a preseason game at the Climate Pledge arena in Seattle, Washington.
( Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images)
Leonard was partially torn in his right ACL during the 2017 postseason. The entire 2021-22 season was missed rehabbing.
KYRIE IRVING’S SUPPORTION TO CONTINUE MINIMUM FIVE GAME, WILL MISS GAME Vs. LAKERS
The 31-year old has appeared in only two regular-season games NBA gamesThis year. He played a short time in those two games.
Kawhi Leonard #2 from the Los Angeles Clippers watches as the second half of the preseason against the Portland Trail Blazers takes place at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington on October 3, 2022. Los Angeles Clippers won 102 to97.
(Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
Lue shared that Leonard’s performance recently encouraged him and he is working towards his return to the court.
Lue observed, “He played five on five this morning.” “With some our guys, some players and some coaches. It was his first attempt to play five on five, and he looked good. Although he still has some work to do, it was his first positive sign that he could get on the court and play five-on-five.
After stepping awkwardly in the second half of Game 4 in a second round NBA basketball playoff series, Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers forward, holds his knee. The incident occurred Monday, June 14, 2021 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Leonard was fired by the Clippers after being described as too cautious. It was previously stated that the team expected Leonard to be back in slow motion.
Lue stated that before the Clippers faced the Utah Jazz on Nov. 6, the organization would follow their medical advice.
“We knew coming off an ACL it wasn’t going to be a straight line. Lue stated that they had discussed it prior to the season. “The biggest thing is he’s progressing well. We’re just going to follow the lead of our medical staff. “We have to think critically about the situation.”
The Clippers did not provide an estimated date of return for the two-time NBA Defensive player of the year.
However, Los Angeles doesn’t have consecutive days off until December 1-2 so Leonard could potentially get to practice before the game.
CLICK HERE TO GET FOX NEWS APP
Clippers are at.500 in the last 10 games and 7-6 overall this season.
