A video shared by LA Clippers star Kawhi Leonard on social media last December was intriguing yet mysterious. It depicted Leonard arriving at a lake, his peace disturbed by a voicemail detailing his various commitments – recovery, family matters, media appearances. Visibly annoyed by the interruption to his quiet moment, he observed a fisherman nearby.
Approaching the man, who sat beside a bucket, a basketball, and a small radio, Leonard heard a broadcast: “We’ve got exciting news coming out of Los Angeles… Kawhi Leonard looks to be returning to the court pretty soon.” Turning up the volume, the fisherman was revealed to be another version of Leonard.
“I knew I could find you here,” the present Leonard said. “You catch anything?” The fisherman-Leonard replied, “Nah, not yet. There’s been good days. There’s been bad days. But I keep coming back. It’s the nature of the game.”
This ad was clearly designed to generate buzz and remind the public that Leonard was still actively working on his return after missing nearly four months due to his ongoing right knee issues. However, given his extensive injury history and multiple comebacks during his six years with the Clippers, predicting the duration or stability of his next return was difficult.
Just a week after the ad, Leonard was back on the court. Over the remaining 37 games of the season, he played a crucial role as the Clippers went 26-11, a pace equivalent to a 58-win season. This run lifted them from sixth in the competitive Western Conference to tied for third-best record. During this period, Leonard averaged 21.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and nearly 2 steals, shooting an efficient 41% from three-point range.
His performance has been nothing short of electrifying, particularly in the initial games of the current playoffs. His play in the Game 2 victory over the Denver Nuggets, where he scored 39 points on remarkable 15-for-19 shooting despite intense defense, was reminiscent of his dominant and efficient run to the championship with the Toronto Raptors in 2019.
Denver star Nikola Jokic noted Leonard`s ability to make difficult shots, questioning if they are truly tough for someone with his skill and track record. Across the first two playoff games, Leonard is averaging 30.5 points, hitting 71% of his shots overall and 50% from beyond the arc. His defensive impact has been equally significant, severely limiting opponents` shooting percentages when he is the primary defender.
This current form offers a clear glimpse of the player the Clippers envisioned six years ago when they acquired him in a landmark free-agent move. Yet, his time with the team has been significantly impacted by injuries; he has appeared in only 266 out of a potential 492 regular-season games (54%).
Leonard`s injuries have frequently coincided with the most crucial moments, often occurring right when he was playing brilliantly and building team confidence, or during the playoffs where he historically excels. Past post-season setbacks include a torn ACL in the 2021 second round (forcing him to miss the conference finals) and a torn meniscus in the 2023 first round. Last season, knee inflammation forced him out during their first-round series.
These recurring injuries, coupled with the team’s careful and often private approach to his rehabilitation and load management, have largely defined his narrative, leading to discussions of his career being a prominent “what-if” in recent league history. The departure of Paul George last summer felt like a potential closing chapter to that story for some.
However, the December 27th video presented a new narrative, one perhaps cautiously received by fans given past disappointments: “I keep coming back.” This simple phrase carries profound meaning, highlighting Leonard`s persistent dedication, which teammate James Harden believes he deserves more recognition for. Harden emphasizes that only a true love for the game could drive someone through the demanding rehabilitation required after Leonard`s repeated significant injuries.
“I feel like that about everybody that`s in the league that goes through something that is out of their hands,” Harden stated. “But as for me, being close to him every single day and seeing the work that he puts in, you appreciate him.” Coach Tyronn Lue hopes this perspective is recognized now that Leonard has remarkably returned to peak form just in time for the playoff push. “This is what Kawhi lives for,” Lue commented. “He`s healthy for the playoffs, and we know when we got a healthy Kawhi, we can win any series.”
Predicting how long Leonard can maintain this health remains uncertain. Both he and the Clippers have been meticulous this season, prioritizing his readiness for the playoffs above all else, including ignoring pressure to return sooner from an offseason surgery. This approach contrasted sharply with the previous season, potentially influenced by the league`s player participation policies.
This year, the sole focus was ensuring he was healthy for the postseason. He missed the first four months, gradually building strength according to set benchmarks. Upon his return in early January, strict minute limits were enforced, even keeping him out of critical late-game situations initially. While this might appear confusing externally, it’s a necessity for managing his cumulative knee issues, which involve inflammation and scar tissue and are inherently unpredictable, leading to his “good days and bad days” as he described in the video.
Leonard has learned to accept this uncertainty. After Game 2, he expressed satisfaction simply at being able to move and play. The challenge, he noted, is for others to accept this reality as well. “I sat and watched these playoff games and series the past two years,” Leonard said. “So being able to be front-line out there, it just feels good for me no matter which way the game goes. That’s what I’m taking pride in. I just want to be out there and play and be on the front line with my team.”
A week after the initial lake video, Leonard released a second part. Carrying fishing gear towards the water, with background radio noise questioning his status and injury legitimacy (“When is he going to play? … Is he really hurt? What’s going on here?”), he remarked on the critics, comparing them to “chirping” birds. “You hear them?” he asked. “They like to come and watch the fun — and chirp. But when I show up, they always quiet.”
