Clippers star Kawhi Leonard returns to practice in limited role

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Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard last played in a game on April 26 in Game 3 of a playoff series against Dallas. On Tuesday he practiced for the first time with the team since injuring his right knee. (Tony Gutierrez / Associated Press)

The Clippers were in the midst of a drill when suddenly, and even surprisingly, Kawhi Leonard joined their practice session Tuesday.

“We were doing a shooting drill at the beginning of practice and we go back and forth passing and I’m passing it to Kawhi, I go, ‘Oh, snap! That’s Kawhi!’ Know what I mean?” guard Jordan Miller said. “But again, it just gives us energy.”

“Like at this point where we’re at, we can get all the energy we need. So, like I said, it’s good to have him back on the court and at the end of the day we all want what’s best for him. So, whenever that is, whenever he can play with us, that’s great. But at the end of the day, we want what’s best for him.”

It was Leonard’s first practice with the Clippers since last season as he recovers from a right knee injury. Even though it was a limited team workout for Leonard, it became a spirited practice, coach Tyronn Lue said.

Read more: With James Harden and Amir Coffey out, Clippers struggle in loss to Rockets

“He did offensive script, defensive work, and just no contact,” Lue said. “But he did pretty much everything else.”

Lue said Leonard “looked good” but did not give a time frame for when his best player will return.

“He’s not playing this week,” Lue said, “but he’s getting better.”

Lue then talked about the next steps for Leonard in his progression.

“Just continue to keep doing what we’re doing,” Lue said. “Just make sure he is learning so when he gets back he won’t be behind. So just going through the plays, going through our defensive coverages, our foundation, and just keep building up to be able to do contact. So, I’m not sure when that’s going to come.”

James Harden, Mo Bamba and Amir Coffey, all of whom missed the last game for the Clippers (14-11) because of injuries, were able to practice Tuesday. Kris Dunn also practiced. Derrick Jones Jr. sat out and he’ll…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/clippers-star-kawhi-leonard-returns-230020520.html

Author : LA Times

Publish date : 2024-12-10 23:00:00

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