Kawhi Leonard, in his characteristically deliberate manner, is prioritizing a gradual return to action following his protracted absence from the Los Angeles Clippers.
“I’m taking my time,” Leonard stated after contributing six points and five rebounds in 21 minutes during the Clippers’ victory over the Miami Heat. “I done that in the past and it led me on the bench, so I’m good where I’m at.”
Clippers, Leonard Taking Time In Reintegration

Leonard, who missed the start of the season while rehabilitating his surgically repaired right knee, is gradually increasing his playing time. The Clippers provided limited and often vague updates on Leonard’s progress during the early stages of his rehabilitation, a period during which he refrained from speaking to the media.
“I’m just playing really and trying to do my job to help the team win,” Leonard said. “I feel good and as long as I’m feeling good on the court, I’m able to move quickly, get to my spots. That’s all I’m looking for.”
Leonard’s measured return to the court has been evident in his limited minutes. In three games, he has contributed 26 points and 10 rebounds across a total of 61 minutes of playing time.
The Clippers have carefully integrated Leonard back into the team’s established rhythm. Prior to his return, the team had compiled a 19-15 record, a surprisingly strong record to build on with Leonard back.
“He’s just working his way into conditioning-wise, playing-wise, flow of the game, like all of the above,” James Harden said. “He hadn’t had a training camp, preseason, none of that, so for us it’s just trying to make his job a lot easier.”