The LA Clippers are in trouble. With no new names and just one draft pick, they face a stale roster for 2024-25. The team lost key stars like Paul George and Russell Westbrook, leaving them on shaky ground. Now, all eyes are on James Harden and Kawhi Leonard to turn things around. But there’s a twist in the story.

Kawhi Leonard is most likely to miss the opening game. What? Yes, you read it right. The 33-year-old 6x NBA All-Star recently had knee surgery, which will sideline him for a long time. Thus, the Clippers’ star player may miss their October 6 preseason game against the Warriors. Therefore, team President, Lawrence Frank is looking out for a massive extension plan. At, the center of this strategy is Terance Mann, the 27-year-old shooting guard who will start his sixth season with the team. Now that Kawhi is out and uncertainty looms over this recovery and return, the Clippers are once again placing their faith in Terance Mann.

The ‘Lob City’ President was asked if he believes Terance Mann could boost his value this season. To this, Lawrence Frank answered: “I think it would depend on the player. I think, with Terance, someone who’s been with us for what, six years, he’s going to be 28 probably during the season. We’ve seen him in all different scenarios, even, the year when Kawhi missed because of ACL and Paul played 32 games. Terance had to take on a bigger role.” The team’s President took us down memory lane to remind us how in Kawhi Leonard’s absence in the 2021 season, Terance Mann took charge of the team. He came off the bench and scored his career-high 39 points in the Western Conference Playoffs.

Therefore, the front office is seeing more potential in the Brooklyn native. With Kawhi Leonard out, someone needs to lead the team. So, the only hope, the only light of the LA Clippers is none other than Terance. Lawrence further added: “I  think he’ll continue to get better. He’ll get back to being a really good rebounder for his position. We have great faith in Terance. We placed a high value on him, not just because he’s a very good basketball player. He’s extremely high character and he’s about all the right things.” The President’s indication is simple- they want to extend their relations with Mann.

In the Clippers’ current tricky situation, the 27-year-old is probably the only one they are relying on. Moreover, we’ll have James Harden and others to take the lead from time to time. But maybe, the right and temporary replacement for Kawhi Leonard is none but Terance Mann.

Clippers’ wingman Kawhi Leonard’s knee surgery might have added to the team’s worries

Kawhi Leonard’s knee troubles seemed to have led the 2x NBA champ to undergo an important medical procedure. Reportedly, the 33YO had arthroscopic surgery, however, the details of the same remain in the shadows. This follows his struggles during USA Basketball’s pre-Olympics training camp, where his knee issues caused him to be sent home.

Besides, Leonard wants to participate in the 2024 NBA training camp, but his condition isn’t in his favor. Clippers management, including president Lawrence Frank, is holding him back and wants their star to focus on strengthening his knee. Therefore Kawhi Leonard’s availability for the Clippers’ opening game on October 23 is still uncertain.

Leonard’s knee issues are troubling for the Clippers. The team heavily relies on him after losing Paul George to free agency. He played 68 games last season but was restricted during the playoffs. Moreover, Leonard only appeared in two games during the first-round loss to the Mavericks. His health has been a concern since his time in San Antonio. Therefore, the hooper’s recovery is critical for the Clippers’ success.

With Paul George gone, James Harden is set to take on a bigger offensive role. Therefore, Kawhi Leonard’s performance is crucial for the team this season. However, the big question is whether Leonard can stay healthy and deliver what the team needs. So, Terance Mann will take on a large part of the responsibility. Hopefully, he’ll hold the reigns until Leonard recovers.