The Los Angeles Clippers went 44-38 last season and lost to the Phoenix Suns in the first round of the 2023 NBA playoffs in five games. Kawhi Leonard, who missed the entire 2021-22 season recovering from a torn ACL in his right knee, believes the Clippers “skipped some steps” last season.
“Last year, I think everybody was a little excited just by me coming back,” Leonard said, via Clippers reporter Law Murray of The Athletic. “I didn’t feel like we really — we skipped some steps, I would say. That’s on all of us in here: the front office, me included, and the coaching staff.”
Leonard has a player option for the 2024-25 season worth $48.8 million. The two-time Defensive Player of the Year signed a four-year, $176.3 million contract with the Clippers in August 2021.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Kawhi Leonard & Los Angeles Clippers Updates
Leonard appeared in 52 games last season, averaging 23.8 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.9 assists while shooting 51.2% from the field, 41.6% from beyond the arc and 87.1% from the free-throw line.
Leonard only played in Games 1 and 2 of the Suns series before suffering a knee injury. He underwent surgery this offseason.
The Clippers signed Leonard in the summer of 2019 and traded for Paul George from the Oklahoma City Thunder. However, the franchise hasn’t reached the NBA Finals yet. Leonard and George have only played in 118 regular-season games together. Both stars have been prone to injuries since becoming teammates.
Leonard has played in 161 games with the Clippers. He’s averaging 25.3 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.7 assists. LAC has never reached the NBA Finals in franchise history.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Kawhi Leonard & Los Angeles Clippers Updates
The Clippers are potentially facing a crossroads with their roster since Leonard and George both have player options for the 2024-25 season. If Los Angeles doesn’t compete for a title this season, the Leonard-George era could end next offseason.
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