Kawhi Leonard knows that it’s time to finally play.
Leonard himself has revealed that he got even stronger from the long layoff he had all the way towards recovery.
But first, intends to start things around in the Los Angeles Clippers’ training camp.
“Plan is tomorrow to start training camp,” Leonard said at Clippers media day. “For me individually, I’ll be participating in training camp. Then from there, just seeing how my progression is, how I feel, what I’m not feeling, is it moving correctly, and just keep going from there, just gradually building up.
“But right now, I feel good, and the plan is to start camp and play.”
Leonard, who missed the entirety of the 2021-22 season upon his ACL surgery in his right knee from last year, sounded optimistic on his personal progress. Though the Clippers are very much cautious, the two-time Finals MVP stands well-oiled to finally be back.
“I feel stronger, for sure,” Leonard said. “It’s been, what, 14, 15 months of no basketball — well, playing in an NBA season for me, no basketball. That whole 13-, 14-month process is just lifting weights and getting stronger. I definitely got a lot stronger.”
As the Clippers are being assumed to have a statement season, their fortunes truly lies on Leonard’s availability. If he remains healthy, sky is the only limit to finally reach that elusive title.
