Clippers Continue Wait For Kawhi Leonard: ‘He’s Doing Stuff, But He’s Not Ready’

Kawhi Leonard remains the Clippers’ mystery box. He’s back on the court, getting shots up and working out at the team’s practice facility, but when it comes to a return date, coach Tyronn Lue isn’t budging.

“He’s got to check all the boxes and do all the right things, not skip any steps,” Lue told reporters, offering the sort of non-update that’s become standard in Leonard’s injury saga. “He’s getting better. He’s on the floor, he’s doing stuff, but he’s not ready to play.”

Translation: Don’t expect Kawhi in uniform tomorrow — or likely next week. The Ringer’s Bill Simmons hinted he might be ready by Christmas, but until Leonard himself gives the thumbs-up, it’s anyone’s guess.

The issue? Persistent inflammation in Leonard’s right knee, dating all the way back to the spring. This isn’t new. He barely made it through two playoff games last season before shutting it down.

Then came the Olympic snub, not by choice but by necessity. Yet somehow, the Clippers have stayed afloat without him, riding a 14-10 record into the sixth spot in the West.

Impressive? Sure. Sustainable? Probably not.

“Everybody is excited for him to be back,” said Amir Coffey, echoing what just about every Clippers fan and player is thinking. “We see him getting on the court, going through drills—it’s a good sign.”

A good sign, yes. But this is Kawhi Leonard we’re talking about, a guy who moves at his own pace, injury or not. If Christmas really is the target, the Clippers will take it.

They’ve learned to compete without him, but let’s not kid ourselves—if they’re going to make noise in the postseason, Leonard will need to be more than just a bystander in warmups.

For now, the wait continues.

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