USA Today via Reuters
May 22, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) tries to move thew bad past Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) during the second quarter of game one in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
May 22, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) tries to move thew bad past Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) during the second quarter of game one in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Los Angeles Clippers superstar Kawhi Leonard, nicknamed ‘The Klaw’ is not known for his flashy plays. In fact, he has a rather low profile both on and off the court as well. Leonard arguably wins games with his sound knowledge of the fundamentals. He creates opportunities for himself in the mid-range instead of looking to shoot threes or go for a poster dunk.?
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But that doesn?t mean he can?t do those things too. Leonard has always been the silent leader type since he came into the league. He started off his career with the San Antonio Spurs where he won one championship with the organization. And then he was traded to the Toronto Raptors where he brought the team their first championship in franchise history in 2019.?
The much-anticipated return of Kawhi Leonard
And since then, he has been playing for the Los Angeles Clippers alongside Paul George. Kawhi Leonard has dealt with a few injuries in his career. Notably, he ended up missing the entire 2021-2022 NBA season due to a knee injury. Leonard blew out his knee in Game 4 of the 2021 Western Conference Semi-finals against the Utah Jazz.
USA Today via Reuters
Jun 4, 2021; Dallas, Texas, USA; LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) dribbles as Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) defends during the fourth quarter during game six in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Leonard has been a pivotal part of the team?s offense and defense both. He came into the league as a defender and only got better as time went on. But he also managed to work on his offense and shooting and is now a five-time All-Star. ‘The Klaw’ has won two Finals MVPs and two Defensive Player of the Year awards along with his two championships.
Since he missed out on the entirety of last season, Kawhi Leonard has finally been given the all-clear and is set to make his return this season. And fans around the league, along with Clippers fans are way too excited.?
Here are some of the best reactions from NBA Twitter:
i’m back pic.twitter.com/RiU9h0agRy
— garçon gorille (@grangertson) October 1, 2022
— ham (@GoinHAM9HD) October 1, 2022
— Drisc (@bdrxsc) October 1, 2022
This is a W
— 🦌 (@DameToGiannis) October 1, 2022
King of LA 💪
— KD’s Burner 🐐 (@KD_SZN7) October 1, 2022
Excited for this mans return. 2019 level comeback on the way
— Manny Gober (@MannyGober) October 1, 2022
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Kawhi Leonard has played 10 seasons in the league so far and is undoubtedly one of the better all-around players out there. He was even known as the “LeBron stopper” in his days with the San Antonio Spurs. Head coach Gregg Popovich trusted Leonard and gave him perhaps the most difficult matchup assignment on the team.?
Watch This Story – The uncanny resemblance between Kawhi Leonard and Michael Jordan’s plays
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The Los Angeles Clippers ended up with the 9th seed in the Western Conference last season with a 42-40 overall record.
With the return of ?The Klaw?, do you think the Clippers will make a deep run in the playoffs next season??
