Clippers' Kawhi Leonard working out, but 'not ready to play'

12/07/2024 07:15 PM

INGLEWOOD — Kawhi Leonard tossed a medicine ball. He jumped rope. He then put up shots Saturday at the Clippers' practice facility, providing a rare glimpse into his progress from a lingering knee issue.

The two-time NBA Finals MVP and the team have been reticent about his comeback from inflammation following a procedure he had in May on his troublesome right knee. Often, coach Tyronn Lue would simply say Leonard was "progressing."

On Saturday, Lue inched closer to giving an update on when Clippers fans would see Leonard back on the court. It won't be Sunday, however, when the Clippers (14-10) face the Houston Rockets at the Intuit Dome.

"(He's) just doing all the things he's supposed to. … He's got to check all the boxes and do all the right things, not skip any steps," Lue said. "So, when he completes that, then we'll move on."

Bill Simmons of The Ringer reported earlier this week that, according to an unnamed source, Leonard would return before Christmas Day. Lue wouldn't confirm the report, saying Leonard needs to be 100% healthy and game-ready before he suits up.

"He's getting better. He's on the floor, he's doing stuff, but he's not ready to play," Lue said.

Fans aren't the only ones eager to see the superstar wing player return. So are the players. Amir Coffey, on watching Leonard shoot baskets, said, "I know everybody is excited for him to be back. We see him getting on the court, going through drills, it’s a good sign."

Although Leonard sat on the bench in street clothes for the first 14 games and will be for the foreseeable future, Coffey said he has been engaged the whole time. He continues to be the team's leader off the court.

"Just helping us in whatever way he can, telling us what he sees when we come off the court during timeouts, talking to our guys and just giving advice," Coffey said.

In the meantime, Coffey said the team simply is moving ahead until "he's feeling good enough to play.

"We'll be excited to have him back, but we kind of just have to press forward and whatever that is (that Leonard returns), we'll be happy to have it," Coffey said.

REST STOPS AHEAD

The Clippers play just three games in 14 days, giving the team plenty of time to get healthy, refresh and fix snags in their offense and more so on defense. On Wednesday, the Minnesota Timberwolves took advantage of lapses in their sixth-rated defense to run out to a sizable lead and win by 28 points.

Norman Powell, who was on a minutes restriction after missing six games because of a sore hamstring, and Kevin Porter Jr., who missed three games because of an ankle injury, are expected to be ready to play Sunday against the Rockets.

"Defensively, we just need to be making sure we are understanding what we're supposed to do," Lue said. "We’ve had, not a lot but some, slippage in our foundation of our defense. … That's going to happen without practice. So, having these 14 days – three games in 14 days – gives us time to practice, fine-tune everything we are trying to do."

Houston at Clippers

When: 6 p.m. Sunday

Where: Intuit Dome

TV/radio: FDSNSC/AM 570