Energy, energy, and more energy is what Steve Ballmer shouted at the top of his lungs while giving the reporters a tour of the newly built Intuit Dome. That’s how pumped the Clippers owner was to see his team starting a new journey in a place solely they can call home. But following Paul George‘s departure, the heavy burden of lighting up the arena fell on Kawhi Leonard, who already had a problematic knee. Unable to carry the load with his existing injury, Klaw permanently registered his name on the team’s injury report for the rest of the preseason. However, the Clippers have to move on. So how will the franchise fill the huge void that their two stars left? A former teammate of Leonard has the answer to it.

Discussing the unfortunate situation of his ex-team on Run It Back, Lou Williams said, “The Clippers have a lot of experience with Kawhi missing games due to injuries.” Suggesting who could outshine during the small forward’s absence, Williams added, “If I’m a Terance Mann that just got a new deal or I’m a Norm Pow, this is an opportunity for me to shine. They gotta have next man up mentality.”

Williams feels that even without their main man, the Clips should have an optimistic mindset, believing, “We’re pros too, and we can get this job done.” When Kawhi returns to the hardwood, he can take up the lion’s share of responsibility, but the team shouldn’t fall apart in his absence.

Williams is aware that stepping into those shoes is a tall task, especially for Mann. However, he feels that the players should be thrilled about the chance they will get to prove their skills by playing in bigger roles for extended minutes and managing to push the team towards success.

Mann inked a three-year extension deal last season worth $47 million. However, the 27-year-old cannot be trusted with Kawhi-like abilities following his averages of 8.8 points coupled with 3.4 rebounds and 1.6 assists. But as Williams said, this could be his chance to shine as the head coach rearranges the roster.

LA Clippers’ probable roster without Kawhi Leonard

Since Kawhi Leonard’s right knee inflammation has restricted him from attending the preseason games, HC Ty Lue planned the roster without him. According to Joey Linn, Terance Mann and James Harden will be in the starting five to support each other in the backcourt while Norman Powell and Derrick Jones Jr. will take care of the numbers. Ivica Zubac will suit up in the Clippers’ new threads to operate the game from the center.

With Kawhi’s return date still not confirmed, the Clippers possibly have to manage with this lineup. Before beginning their 2024-25 regular season journey, the team has to face the Sacramento Kings tomorrow. Following that, they will get a week to prepare for the mighty Suns, who are eager to bag the championship title.

Certainly, it is commendable that the team has achieved a 3-1 victory without Klaw, but comparing preseason games with the action-thriller that is about to come hardly makes sense. So the Clippers can either elevate their performance or hope that Leonard comes back before the regular season.