Kawhi Leonard facing delicate balancing act in 2024-25

Kawhi Leonard has struggled with fitness since joining the L.A. Clippers in 2019. The two-time NBA champion suffered a torn ACL in 2021 and a torn Meniscus the following season. However, he bounced back to play in 68 regular-season games during the 2023-24 campaign, only to have his playoff availability impacted by swelling and soreness. 

Ty Lue and his medical staff are cautiously approaching Leonard's fitness heading into the new season after he underwent an offseason procedure. The veteran forward didn't participate in the team's opening preseason game against the Golden State Warriors and is unlikely to play in any upcoming preseason contests. 

When speaking to ESPN at halftime on Saturday, Leonard alluded to a potential change of approach on the court. He noted that he ran more miles per game than almost every player in the league and questioned whether that needs to change moving forward.

"We got to control what we can control," Leonard said. "I probably ran like top five most miles per game last year or top 10. And that was coming off [a] torn meniscus [in the 2023 playoffs]. So we got to see if that's beneficial for me or not."

Leonard's knee injuries have sapped some of his explosiveness. His first step isn't the space-creating weapon it was during his prime. He doesn't get the same lift when jumping off two feet anymore, either. However, his movement and ability to attack angles are a primary reason he's still an elite offensive player. 

If Leonard has to reduce how much he moves without the ball, his tenure as an elite forward in the NBA will likely be over. He will be reduced to a three-and-D role, where he could thrive but would be unlikely to take over games the way the Clippers need him to. 

As such, it's unlikely he makes such a drastic adjustment to his overall approach. Instead, the focus should be on maintaining the integrity of his surgically repaired knee and taking the proper precautions before he's cleared to play.

Clippers president of basketball operations, Lawerence Frank, remained coy on Leonard's health and availability heading into the new season.

“I think the timing is all going to depend on how his knee responds to each phase,” Frank said, via Anthony De Leon of The Lost Angeles Times. “No one has a crystal ball. We’re trending in a really, really good direction. I know he’s super determined to have a great year, but the timing when it comes to your body and your health, I don’t think you put time frames on it. I think you just have to respond to how he responds.”

Leonard can still be a game-changing force. He has all the tools to be a lock-down defender and terrifying scoring threat. But if he removes some of the movement from his game, his three-year $149 million contract will be an incredible overpay. 

There has to be some middle ground that protects Leonard and allows him to remain healthy while still being an elite talent in the NBA. What that middle ground is remains to be seen. However, right now, his career seems like its in the balance, and with it, the Clippers' chances of bringing success to the Intuit Dome.