Kawhi Leonard made a strong return to the NBA court after spending over 13 months out with a knee injury. In preseason action against the Portland Trail Blazers, Kawhi had 11 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals. While his return was notable, he wasn’t the only Clipper on the floor who had missed the last season.
John Wall was benched by the tanking Houston Rockets for the entirety of the 2021-22 season, getting bought out of his contract this offseason and signing with the Clippers. He had 5 points, 1 rebound, and 3 assists in an off-the-bench role for the Clips. Kawhi spoke about Wall’s return to court and his possible impact on the Clippers this season.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9F74efEld0
“Yeah, John was alongside me on the court. I am happy he got a chance to play, it’s been a long road for him as well. He’s only going to make us better. He’s been great at practice, good leader, he’s not trying to hide in the corner, making us work, and an impact player for the team.”
The Clippers will want to build on the 102-97 win they earned on the night of Wall and Leonard’s return against the Blazers in a game that also saw Damian Lillard comeback from injury.
What Is The Ceiling Of The LA Clippers In 2022-23?
The Clippers have to be amongst the contenders for the NBA title this season. They have the most expensive roster in the league with excessive depth to make up for the injury proneness of its stars. However, that has also given them a very versatile lineup that can play 4 forward with one guard and be a suffocating perimeter team.
A team that comes closest to matching the makeup of the Clippers is the Toronto Raptors, but the Clippers have more depth and forwards that would be valuable on any team around the league.
With the roster they have built, the Clippers have to be considered one of the favorites to win the NBA title. They have a championship-winning coach in Tyronn Lue and will be looking to not only bring the first title in Clippers’ history but also their first NBA Finals appearance.
