Speaking with reporters at halftime of Clippers' first preseason game, Kawhi Leonard shared his true focus for the season.
LA Clippers star Kawhi Leonard says his ultimate goal this season is not to play all 82 games but to lead the Los Angeles Clippers to an NBA title. The 2-time NBA champion is in the final stages of recovery from a knee injury.
The 33-year-old forward did not participate in the Clippers’ 90-91 loss to the Golden State Warriors during their first preseason game in Hawaii on Saturday.
Speaking with reporters at halftime of Saturday’s game, Leonard was asked if he plans to play back-to-backs this season. The 2× NBA Finals MVP said,
“We’re just taking it slow, day by day and just trying to get me back on the floor. Once those conversations come, we’ll see what they’re talking about.”
Leonard also acknowledged that he is not getting any younger and hinted that the Clippers may need to consider how best to utilize him at the twilight of his career.
“As I get older, guys aren’t doing what I’m doing pretty much,” Leonard said. “You don’t see it around the league. Even when I was young… This is what I work for. I strive to get a championship. I’m not out there to try to play 82 games. I’m trying to win. Even though that’s obligated for me. I try to, but it hasn’t worked out.”
“Who was the power forward last year? It’s gonna be the same thing pretty much,” Leonard said. “But we gotta control what we can control. I probably ran the top-five most miles per game last year. Or top-10. All coming off a torn meniscus. So we gotta see if that’s beneficial for me or not.”
Kawhi Leonard doubtful for Clippers’ season opener
The Clippers will start their season campaign on October 23 against the Phoenix Suns but whether Kawhi Leonard will make an appearance during the opener is still uncertain.
During Clippers’ media day last week, the veteran NBA star gave a positive update on his availability for the opening match.
“Yeah, that’s the plan. It’s just about my body. I’m a human being and we’re playing basketball. So, it all depends on what we want and what we figure out and how my body’s feeling. But, we’re taking it day by day”, Leonard said.
Leonard played 68 games last season for the Clippers before a knee injury abruptly ended his postseason availability.
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