Kawhi Leonard has struggled with injuries during the NBA Playoffs for a fourth consecutive year, resulting in the Clippers underperforming once again. The uncertainty surrounding Leonard’s availability has been a recurring theme each year, and this season was no different. With the Clippers officially out of the playoffs, Lawrence Frank, the team’s President of Basketball Operations, shed some light on Leonard’s injury situation. It was revealed that Leonard would not have been able to play in Game 1 against the Oklahoma City Thunder due to ongoing inflammation in his knee.
Despite multiple efforts to manage Leonard’s health, including load management and regular season play, the Clippers have not found a solution to keep him healthy during crucial playoff games. This season, in particular, was marked by bad luck as Leonard’s absence was deeply felt by the team. Lawrence Frank emphasized Leonard’s importance to the team, noting his impact on the court and ability to elevate the team’s performance.
Looking ahead to next season, the Clippers are hoping to retain their core players, including Leonard. However, Frank recognizes the need for improvement in other areas to complement the team’s star players. Regardless of how the team enhances its roster, Leonard’s availability during the playoffs will be crucial to their success.
