Injuries are already a concern for the Los Angeles Clippers, who will be the oldest team in the league this season. The Clippers added aging veterans Chris Paul, Brook Lopez, and Bradley Beal this summer in an effort to improve on their 50-win campaign. However, things are already rough for the Clippers.
Los Angeles is 1-1 in the preseason, although Beal has yet to play with a knee injury. He is expected to have an excellent season in Hollywood, although he has been limited all summer.
After a disappointing two seasons with the Phoenix Suns, Beal is trying to rebrand himself as a winning player, and he has perhaps no better teammate for the job than Kawhi Leonard.
GettyPHOENIX, ARIZONA – JANUARY 03: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Los Angeles Clippers drives against Bradley Beal #3 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half at Footprint Center on January 03, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
Kawi Leonard Breaks Silence on Beal’s Injury
Despite his six All-NBA nods, two Defensive Player of the Year awards, and two Finals MVPs, Leonard’s claim to fame is his injuries. Seemingly more often than not, he watches games from the sidelines, helpless when his team needs him most.
Knowing that, one might assume that he would be sympathetic to the Clippers‘ injury woes. He recently offered his two cents on Beal and his knee injury.
“When you’re in that spot, you’ve got to make sure you’re ready for the season,” Leonard told the media on October 12th regarding Beal’s health.
Considering that Leonard has missed over a third of all possible regular-season games throughout his career, telling Beal to “make sure you’re ready” is rather bold.
Of course, Beal is not the most durable player, either, failing to hit the 60-game threshold in any of the last six seasons.
In Leonard’s defense, he is often ready for the start of the season, playing on opening night in ten of his 14 NBA seasons. It’s the end of the season that he is prone to missing. Leonard was quick to add that Beal “can take the time he needs. Hopefully, sooner than later, but no rush.”
Title or Bust for Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers are one of five teams to have never appeared in the Finals. They’ve boasted stars like Leonard, Paul George, Chris Paul, and Blake Griffin, but have always fallen short.
Assuming the NBA doesn’t revoke Leonard’s contract, the Clippers are linked to him through the next two seasons. Los Angeles has an aging core–the oldest in the NBA–so the clock is ticking.
With their next first-round pick not due until 2030, the Clippers don’t have a way to rebuild quickly. The team has been defined by failure since inception, and finally bringing a non-Lakers banner to Los Angeles remains a chief goal.
If the Clippers are healthy, they have the talent and depth to do it, but injuries are already taking a toll.
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