Kawhi Leonard’s Return: A Tale of Resilience and Redemption
In the world of sports, few stories capture the imagination quite like a comeback. And when it comes to comebacks, Kawhi Leonard’s journey with the LA Clippers is a narrative that continues to unfold with intrigue and anticipation. On December 27, Leonard released a video across social media that was both well-produced and cryptic, leaving fans and analysts alike buzzing with speculation.
The video opens with Leonard driving up to a serene lake, listening to a voicemail that lists his many responsibilities: recovery, family, media engagements. It’s a moment of tranquility interrupted by the demands of his life. As the voicemail plays, Leonard steps out of the car and approaches a fisherman by the water’s edge. The fisherman, it turns out, is another version of Leonard himself, sitting next to a white bucket holding a basketball and a small stereo.
The radio hums with news of Leonard’s potential return to the court, a prospect that excites fans and teammates alike. “I knew I could find you here,” Leonard says to his doppelgänger. “You catch anything?” The fisherman, under a bucket hat, responds, “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 designed to stir conversation, and it succeeded in reminding everyone that Leonard was still in the game, working behind the scenes, and potentially on the verge of a comeback after nearly four months away due to his latest knee injury.
Fast forward a week, and Leonard made his much-anticipated return. In the 37 games he played until the end of the season, the Clippers went 26-11, a 58-win pace, climbing from sixth in the Western Conference to tie for the third-best record. Leonard averaged 21.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and nearly 2 steals, shooting 41% from 3-point range. His performance was electric, and even more so in the first two games of the playoffs.
In LA’s 105-102 win over the Denver Nuggets in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series, Leonard’s performance was reminiscent of his efficient brilliance during the Toronto Raptors’ 2019 championship run. He scored 39 points on 15-for-19 shooting, even against the swarming Nuggets defense.
Denver star Nikola Jokic remarked, “He made tough shots. But are they really tough shots for him, a guy who’s been making those for such a long time?”
Through two games in this series, Leonard is averaging 30.5 points on 71% shooting (24-for-34), including 50% on 3-point attempts (5-for-10). Defensively, he has been equally dominant. In Game 1, he held opponents to 2-of-5 (40%) from the field as the primary defender. In Game 2, Leonard held opponents to 2-of-12 (16.7%).
It’s a glimpse of the Leonard the Clippers envisioned when they signed him six years ago. However, he has played in only 266 of a possible 492 regular-season games (54%) since joining the team, often sidelined by injuries at critical moments.
In 2021, Leonard tore an ACL in a second-round series against the Utah Jazz. The Clippers managed to finish the series without him but fell short against the Phoenix Suns in the conference finals. In 2023, he tore a meniscus in the first round. Last season, he attempted to play in LA’s first-round loss to the Dallas Mavericks, but knee inflammation forced the team to shut him down.
These injuries and the Clippers’ cautious approach to his rehabilitation have defined Leonard’s career as one of the greatest what-ifs in modern NBA history. When Paul George left as a free agent last summer, it seemed like the end of an era.
Yet, the video Leonard posted on December 27 hinted at a new chapter. “I keep coming back,” Leonard said in the video. It’s a simple message, but it speaks volumes. Leonard’s teammate James Harden hopes Leonard receives more credit for his resilience. “He loves to hoop,” Harden said, emphasizing the dedication required to return from such injuries.
Clippers coach Tyronn Lue echoes this sentiment, hoping people recognize Leonard’s determination. “This is what Kawhi lives for,” Lue said. “He’s healthy for the playoffs, and we know when we got a healthy Kawhi, we can win any series.”
Of course, the uncertainty of Leonard’s health remains. The Clippers have been meticulous in managing his return, prioritizing his long-term well-being over immediate results. This season, they focused on getting him to the playoffs in peak condition, even if it meant sitting out the first four months.
Leonard’s knee issues are complex, with inflammation and scar tissue from multiple injuries. “Good days and bad days,” as he says in the video, are part of his reality. “It’s the nature of the game,” he acknowledges, embracing the uncertainty.
After Game 2, Leonard expressed his gratitude for being back on the court. “I sat and watched these playoff games and series the past two years,” he 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 first video, Leonard released a second installment. Carrying a tackle box and a fishing rod, he walks toward the shoreline as birds fly overhead. The stereo plays, “When is he going to play? … Is he really hurt? What’s going on here?” Leonard responds, “You hear them? They like to come and watch the fun — and chirp. But when I show up, they always quiet.”
Originally Written by: Ramona Shelburne
