Kawhi Leonard and the LA Clippers are both in their rehabilitation phases. As Kawhi recovers from inflammation in his right knee, the Clippers will be very cautious in diligently wanting to keep him on the court throughout the upcoming season. “[There is] no timeline,” said the Clippers’ Coach Ty Lue before the game against the Kings on Thursday.

The 33-year-old hasn’t played any games in the preseason or even in the practice sessions. Lue said that Leonard suffered a “setback” after he participated in the USA Basketball camp in Las Vegas in July. Although his absence has been a worry for most of the fans and the Clippers staff alike, it has allowed young players to prove themselves in the preseason.

This is exactly what the 23-year-old Kai Jones has done. Kai was signed by the Clippers in April and was re-signed on an Exhibit 10 contract during this off-season. He impressed the Clippers’ management with his performances in the preseason by averaging 8 points and 5 rebounds, also dishing out 1.4 steals and 2.4 blocks per game.

This has led him to earn a two-way contract with the LA Clippers as per reports from Chris Haynes. He tweeted “Los Angeles Clippers are converting Kai Jones to a two-way contract after a strong preseason showing, league sources tell me.”

Kai Jones will provide some depth at the five behind Ivica Zubac and Mo Bamba. The former Hornets player was the 19th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft by the Knicks. The Texas product played limited minutes over the two seasons at the Charlotte side and was eventually waived in 2023, after which the Clippers signed him.

On the other hand, let’s see how Kawhi’s injury will affect the Clippers in the long run.

Kawhi Leonard’s absence could prove ‘costly’

Kawhi Leonard has always struggled with injuries leading all the way back to his Spurs days. The news comes as a disappointment to many as the superstar just cannot catch a break. His injury saga continues with ambiguous updates and he also missed an opportunity to grab gold at the Paris Olympics. With his injury history, there is no telling when he’ll return. This has been a pressing concern for the Clippers and he signed an extension in January worth $152.4 million that will keep him in Los Angeles till the 2026-27 season.

Do remember that Paul George wasn’t then given what he expected from the LA side and he’s now with Sixers. It also puts the Clippers in a very sticky position as they have built their team around James Harden and the Klaw.

With Kawhi now out of the picture for some time, all the offensive load will shift towards Harden. The Beard will have to carry the offense and play-making duties while also being the team’s leader. Even though James Harden has himself said Kawhi Leonard needs to take all the time he needs, to return and be fully healthy for later in the season as per ESPN.

It will be difficult for the Clippers in a loaded Western Conference and only time can tell how their season will pan out. Do you think the Clippers will make the Playoffs? Let us know in the comments.