The LA Clippers look like they are destined for a spot in the NBA Play-In Tournament. They are six games behind the sixth-place Denver Nuggets for the last spot outside of the Play-In Tournament and 7.5 games ahead of the 11th place Portland Trail Blazers, who are the first team outside of the tournament.
That is about the position you would expect a team to be in that is in the position that the Clippers are. Playing all season without Kawhi Leonard and having Paul George for only 26 thus far, a 34-33 makes sense.
Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, recently appeared on NBA Today to discuss the potential return of both players.
Chris Haynes of Yahoo! Sports recently shared an update on Leonard and George as well. While George seems to be closer to a return, Leonard is also ramping up his activity and workouts.
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“Kawhi Leonard participated in a rigorous pregame workout that lasted for well over an hour today,” reported Haynes on TNT’s broadcast of Tuesday’s game between the Clippers and Golden State Warriors. “I was told it was his first extended workout he’s performed in front of media members. From my observation, he has zero limitations. Yet still, the Clippers are being cautious and still aren’t issuing a timetable for him or Paul George.”
If the LA Clippers could get both or either of those players back this season, they will be a dangerous team come playoff time. However, the organization is unsure whether their All-Star duo will make a return, evident by no timetable being placed on either return.
While some fans are hoping a late-season return could lead to some playoff magic, they should probably keep their expectations in check. Haynes added that head coach Tyronn Lue will not play Leonard and George if they do not have enough time to prepare for games.
“I spoke with Coach [Ty] Lue and he told me that if he can’t get his guys back for games in the regular season, it wouldn’t be safe for them to return in the playoffs.”
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It makes sense for the LA Clippers to take a cautious approach with their two best players. Rushing them back for this season could jeopardize them being at 100 percent for the 2022-23 season when they will be contenders once again with Leonard and George healthy.
Kawhi Leonard tore his ACL last June in the second-round playoff series against the Utah Jazz. Paul George is dealing with a UCL injury to his right elbow and has not played since December 26th, 2021.
