Lawrence Frank, the President of Basketball Operations for the Clippers, shed light on Kawhi Leonard’s injury situation following the team’s official elimination from the playoffs. According to Frank, Leonard would not have been able to play in Game 1 against the Oklahoma City Thunder due to ongoing inflammation in his knee. Despite multiple efforts to manage Leonard’s health, including load management and regular season play, the Clippers have not found a solution to keep him healthy during crucial playoff games.
Frank emphasized Leonard’s importance to the team, noting his impact on the court and ability to elevate the team’s performance. The team has struggled with injuries during the NBA Playoffs for a fourth consecutive year, with uncertainty surrounding Leonard’s availability being a recurring theme each year. This season was marked by bad luck as Leonard’s absence was deeply felt by the team.
Looking ahead to next season, the Clippers are hoping to retain their core players, including Leonard. However, Frank recognizes the need for improvement in other areas to complement the team’s star players. Regardless of how the team enhances its roster, Leonard’s availability during the playoffs will be crucial to their success.