Kawhi Leonard says his knee is fine, as for new teammates, ‘no one has pointed out to me so far’

This is going to be an interesting and unpredictable season for the Clippers: a whole new building to promote and install, plus plenty of old-school James Harden with the ball in his hands (he shot eight free throws in 18 minutes of action ). during the Clippers’ first preseason game).

Kawhi Leonard addressed two of the big questions facing the Clippers this season: his knee and the appearance of his new teammates.

Leonard underwent knee surgery in the offseason, inflammation kept him from participating in the Paris Olympics, and was held out of numerous training camps to work on strengthening his knee and preparing it for the season. He said during halftime of the Clippers’ preseason game in Honolulu that things were going well, but it remains to be seen whether he plays back-to-back games this season. Here’s his quote, via Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN.

“I feel good. I’m just taking my time, getting stronger and getting ready.

“…We’re taking it slow, day by day and just trying to get me back on the field. Once those conversations happen, we’ll see what they’re talking about (on the best approach for returning to the stage). -dos) .”

Leonard played in 68 games last season, the most he has played in a season since 2017, and he was an All-NBA performer. Then knee problems flared in the playoffs, he only played in two games, and the Mavericks sent the Clippers home in the first round. The question this season is how to help Leonard get through the regular season and keep him healthy for the playoffs.

The other thing the Clippers need to reach the playoffs is for their new players – Derrick Jones Jr., Kris Dunn, Kevin Porter Jr. – to step up and fill some of the void left by Paul George going to Philadelphia . For the moment, we can’t say that Leonard is impressed.

If Leonard’s knee isn’t doing well and he can’t be on the field for more than 60 games this season, it might not matter how well these newcomers play.

This is going to be an interesting season in Los Angeles.