Clippers' postseason on brink due to Leonard's persistent knee issues

L.A. Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard. Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Clippers' postseason is on the brink due to Kawhi Leonard's persistent knee issues

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 4/28/24

The L.A. Clippers are supposed to be a major contender in the Western Conference. They've constructed a roster teeming with elite talent. Russell Westbrook, James Harden, Paul George and Kawhi Leonard are all future Hall of Fame talents. However, the Clippers' lack of high-level depth means Ty Lue heavily relies on his veteran quartet.

As such, Kawhi Leonard's continued knee issue is damaging the Clippers' chances of progressing past the Dallas Mavericks and into the second round.

Leonard has been ruled out for Sunday's matchup between the two teams. If Lue's team loses, it will be down 3-1 and one loss away from elimination. That isn't the return on investment owner Steve Ballmer was likely expecting.

The Clippers are without Kawhi Leonard (right knee inflammation) for Game 4 and there are no assurances that he'll return in this opening-round series vs. the Mavericks. https://t.co/4WZ6y6uNwU
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 28, 2024

Leonard is the Clippers' star player. At his best, he is arguably the most impactful forward in the NBA. He can dictate the tempo of games. His ability to get to his spots and create his shot is among the best in the league. And he's one of the best defenders in the league, too. The issue is that Leonard is rarely at his best. At least not at this late stage in his career.

Due to how deep the Western Conference is, the Clippers are facing a highly talented Mavericks roster led by Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. They're not the sort of team the Clippers can bully into submission.

Lue's team must be at its best if it is going to even up the series and keep its playoff chances alive. Of course, that will be difficult without Leonard in the rotation.

However, it is worth noting that the Clippers' only win of their first-round series came in the game where Leonard wasn't playing. His absence may be an addition by subtraction, as it's clear he hasn't been at his best in the two games he's played. It will be interesting to see how the Clippers fare.

It will also be interesting to see whether Leonard can put his knee issues behind him; otherwise, the Clippers may regret the $152 million three-year contract extension they gave him in January.

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