Kawhi Leonard finally returns to training: "It is a really good sign to see him moving"

Kawhi Leonard, star of the Los Angeles Clippers, returned to training this Tuesday after being absent the entire season due to inflammation in his right knee, as reported by coach Tyronn Lue. Sources close to the situation indicated that Leonard could return to the courts within a two-week period, provided there are no setbacks.

This was the first training session for the 33-year-old player with the team since last season. His knee injury also prevented him from participating in the Paris Olympics last summer, despite initially being selected to be part of the United States team. Lue pointed out that Leonard did offensive and defensive drills but avoided physical contact. "He did pretty much everything else," the coach commented.

After the training session, Leonard was seen leaning on a court structure while James Harden and Kris Dunn were practicing additional shots, although he did not speak to the press. Lue emphasized that Leonard's presence was positive for the team, which is going through a rough patch after losing three of their last five games. Additionally, the Clippers announced that Derrick Jones Jr. has a right hamstring strain and will be reevaluated in two weeks.

Lue noted that Leonard moved well on the court, which gave a morale boost to the team. "It's a really good sign to see him moving. I think the most important thing for him is to gain confidence in his body, not feel pain, and move forward," he explained.

Despite Leonard's absence, the Clippers have had a surprising start to the season, with a record of 14-11 placing them sixth in the Western Conference. With the league's sixth-best defense, allowing 108.5 points per 100 possessions, the team has found ways to compete. Norman Powell has been a standout player, increasing his scoring average from 13.9 points last season to 23.6 this season, making him an early candidate for the Most Improved Player award.

Lue highlighted the team's resilience in the face of adversity. "I credit our players. No matter who is available, we always feel we have a chance to win," he remarked. The coach emphasized that they will continue to be patient with Leonard's recovery process. "We want to make sure he's at 100%. We don't want him to return at 70% or 75%. We will take our time and make sure everything is in order," he affirmed.

Leonard has faced a complicated history of injuries, including a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee that kept him out for the entire 2021-22 season. Since joining the Clippers in 2019, he has missed 204 of the 460 possible games. Lue highlighted the player's mental strength despite these challenges. "I'm happy he's back in this process. He's close and mentally in a good place," he noted.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Kawhi Leonard ¡por fin vuelve a entrenar!: "Es una señal realmente buena verlo moverse"