Kawhi Leonard finally returns to practice after missing the season

In the United States, Kawhi Leonard, the star player for the Los Angeles Clippers, returned to practice for the first time this season. This significant moment occurred as he works towards a comeback after sitting out the entire 2021-22 season due to a torn ACL in his right knee. Leonard has missed a total of 204 games since joining the Clippers in 2019, raising concerns regarding his return to form and on-court performance. During his first practice, Leonard engaged in offensive and defensive drills, although he did not participate in any contact practice, indicating that he is still in the rehabilitation phase of his recovery process. Head coach Tyronn Lue remarked on Leonard's presence in practice, noting it boosted the team's energy and provided them with a sense of hope as they navigate the season without their star player, who has been pivotal to their success in the past. Despite his limited participation, Lue expressed the importance of patience in Leonard's recovery, emphasizing that the team does not want to push him back onto the court until he is fully ready. Lue highlighted that Leonard's confidence in his movement and ability to perform will be essential as he aims to regain his form from previous seasons. It is anticipated that if everything goes well, Leonard could return to game action within the next two weeks, though this timeline remains contingent upon his progress and any potential setbacks. The Clippers coaching staff is committed to ensuring Leonard does not return to play until he can do so at a higher percentage of his capability, ideally 100%, rather than rushing him back at 70% or 75%. Leonard's performance has been lauded in the past; he is a two-time Finals MVP, and his return is eagerly awaited by both fans and teammates. The Clippers recognize that having Leonard back can significantly alter their prospects in the competitive league, but they are also cautious about the potential risks to his health. The current season has seen the Clippers adapting without Leonard’s contributions, demonstrating their resilience as they seek to find winning formulas in his absence. Nevertheless, Lue and the organization believe that once Leonard is back to full health, he will be able to return to his high-level play, which can make a tremendous difference for the team moving forward. In summary, while Leonard’s return to the court is an encouraging development for the Clippers, both the team and the player understand the importance of a careful and calculated approach to ensure a successful comeback.