Vikki Moran
Updated on: October 13, 2024 9:44 pm GMT
As NBA fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming season, a recent viral video featuring LA Clippers star Kawhi Leonard has caught their attention. With over 240,000 views on Instagram, the lighthearted video not only showcases Leonard’s humorous side but also provides a glimpse into his life during the offseason. As he gears up for his 13th NBA season, the former NBA Finals MVP is balancing recovery and preparation after an injury-laden previous year.
Kawhi Leonard and Team USA: A Thoughtful Decision
Kawhi Leonard had been in training with USA Basketball, preparing for a potential spot in the Paris Olympics before ultimately deciding to withdraw. On July 10, USA Basketball announced, “Kawhi has been ramping up for the Olympics over the past several weeks and had a few strong practices in Las Vegas. He felt ready to compete. However, he respects that USA Basketball and the Clippers determined it’s in his best interest to spend the remainder of the summer preparing for the upcoming season rather than participating in the Olympic Games in Paris.”
The choice was a significant one, especially considering Leonard’s recent injury history. He had missed the entire 2021-22 season recovering from ACL surgery, and although he played last season, ongoing issues with his knee limited his performance. This withdrawal, according to his teammate Bones Hyland, shows Leonard’s serious commitment to getting back to peak form. Hyland expressed his admiration on social media, humorously commenting, “Dawg I’m crying 😭😭😭, bro funny asl without trying.
A Summer of Recovery and Fun
With the decision not to join Team USA, Leonard has been focusing on his recovery and engaging in activities outside of basketball. He spent time skating with New Balance athlete Tiago Lemos, which not only keeps him active but also highlights his playful side away from the basketball court. Leonard’s easygoing nature was evident in the viral video, where his light humor surprised and amused fans and teammates alike.
Notably, his withdrawal from the Olympics has not been without controversy. Clippers president Lawrence Frank revealed that there were differences of opinion regarding Leonard’s readiness to play. While some in the organization supported his participation in the Olympics, it seems the consensus was to prioritize his health moving forward. This cautious approach hopes to better prepare him for the upcoming NBA season.
Kawhi’s Journey Back to Full Strength
Leonard’s past season was challenging, as he dealt with inflammation in his knee that sidelined him for the final stretch of the regular season and a series of playoff games. The Clippers were eliminated early in the postseason, which only intensified discussions about Leonard’s long-term health. It is important for Leonard to enter this season strong, considering previous setbacks.
Frank, while vague, indicated the team is closely monitoring Leonard’s recovery. Although he did not confirm whether Leonard underwent any procedures on his knee this summer, he reiterated that the decision to pull Leonard from the Olympic roster was crafted by USA Basketball, focusing on protecting the player’s well-being.
- Leonard’s Injury History: Missed entire 2021-22 season due to ACL surgery.
- Last Season’s Struggles: Limited to eight games due to knee inflammation.
- Decision to Withdraw from Olympics: Aimed at prioritizing offseason recovery.
- Team and Player Sentiment: Mixed feelings within the organization regarding Leonard’s participation.
NBA Fans and Teammates React
The reaction from fans and those connected to the NBA has been mixed but largely supportive. Teammates have noted Leonard’s unexpected humor, confirming what many fans have speculated: he often brings a lighthearted touch to serious moments. Draymond Green, a fellow NBA player, echoed the sentiment, saying on social media that Leonard has a natural, unforced way of making people laugh.
As Leonard ramps up for what he hopes will be a more successful season, NBA observers are keen to see if putting health first will translate into a stronger performance. The anticipation builds around whether the Clippers will finally showcase Leonard at full strength, aiming for deeper playoff runs than in previous years.
The Season Ahead for the LA Clippers
As the Clippers prepare for the new season, they will look to rebound after a frustrating early playoff exit last year. With a focus on player health, Leonard’s return to form will be vital. The NBA landscape is changing rapidly, with teams adapting to new strategies and player movements. How the Clippers navigate these challenges will depend heavily on Leonard remaining healthy and contributing at his previous level.
Fans eagerly await updates on Leonard’s progress and the Clippers’ upcoming training camps. There is muted optimism that, with a healthy roster and Leonard at the forefront, the team can be serious contenders in the Western Conference.
Conclusion
Kawhi Leonard has had a busy summer thinking about his game and getting ready for the upcoming season. As he gets ready for his 13th year in the NBA, he decided not to play in the Paris Olympics. This shows that he wants to stay healthy and be ready for the tough season ahead. Now, Kawhi and the LA Clippers are working hard to create a season that matches their big dreams. Fans will be excited to see if he can return to his best form as the season goes on.
