The Los Angeles Clippers head coach Lue knows Kahwi Leonard and Paul George have suffered from injuries over the last few seasons.
Leonard and George have played together in 84 games in four years for the Clippers. However, for coach Lue, it’s all about being smart.
“Of course Paul George and Kawhi [Leonard] want to play. But we just need to be smart, because Leonard took 15 months away from basketball. Do you think he doesn’t want to play? So, obviously yes.” Lue said.
Leonard has played in just five games this season. But when he is ready to return to the court, while recovering from an ankle injury, he will carry on as before. That is, with restricted minutes and not playing two days in a row.
Meanwhile, TNT analyst Charles Barkley insisted that without Leonard and George, the Clippers just waste another season.
“If they don’t have Kawhi and Paul George, the Clippers are going to forfeit another season. They might finish first in the West, but if they’re both out the entire season, they’re not going to win a playoff series. This is becoming a problem.” Barkley said.
“You need to play, but it’s not happening. The Clippers were my pick to win, but I’m really getting worried” Barkley added.
It’s been four years since Leonard and George signed with the Los Angeles team. While the former was out of the entire last season due to a knee injury, the winger also misses consecutive games.
In 2022/23 season, he has not played in the last seven games. That, not to mention that the athlete performed only 31 in the past campaign. Meanwhile, the Clippers rank seventh in the West with 13 wins and 11 losses.
