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LA Clippers Forward Makes Statement on Kawhi Leonard's Return to Practice

Clippers star Kawhi Leonard returned to practice on Tuesday.

Joey Linn

Dec 20, 2023; Dallas, Texas, USA; LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) warms up before the game against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center.
Dec 20, 2023; Dallas, Texas, USA; LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) warms up before the game against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. / Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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LA Clippers star Kawhi Leonard has been sidelined all season due to right knee injury recovery. Until Tuesday, Leonard had not practiced with the team as he was limited to individual shooting drills. That has now changed as the star forward eyes a return to game action.

Speaking with reporters prior to Tuesday’s practice, Clippers head coach Ty Lue revealed that Leonard went through offensive plays and defensive coverages with the team, but did not take contact.

“It raised our energy,” Lue said of Leonard’s return to practice. “Just for our guys to see him on the floor brought a juice to our team. We needed that jolt.”

Clippers forward Jordan Miller revealed how Leonard’s return to the court took place, telling reporters he snuck into a drill.

“Just the energy he brings being on the court,” Miller said of Leonard’s return. “He kinda snuck his way in, too. Very Kawhi-like… We were doing a shooting drill beginning of practice. The next thing you know I’m passing it to Kawhi.”

Lue said there are things Leonard still needs to do before getting cleared for contact and eventually game action, but added the two-time Finals MVP is looking and moving well. Leonard will not play this week as he continues to ramp up, but his return to practice is certainly a massive step towards his eventual season debut.

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Joey Linn
JOEY LINN

Joey Linn is a credentialed writer covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated's FanNation. Covering the LA Clippers independently in 2018, then for Fansided and 213Hoops from 2019-2021, Joey joined Sports Illustrated's FanNation to cover the Clippers after the 2020-21 season. Graduating from Biola University in 2022 with a Communication Studies degree, Joey served as Biola's play-by-play announcer for their basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer teams during his time in school. Joey's work on Biola's broadcasts, combined with his excellence in the classroom, earned him the Outstanding Communication Studies Student of the year award in 2022. Joey covers the NBA full-time across multiple platforms, primarily serving as a credentialed Clippers beat writer.

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